Estonia Kanter FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Gerd Kanter - Olympic Gold Medallist
Date of Issue: 25 September 2008

After the issue of the first Estonian postage stamp dedicated to an Olympic winner (Erki Nool in decathlon in Sydney, 2000) we had to wait eight long years before the next stamp devoted to an Estonian winner of Olympic summer games could be brought out. In the intervening years the skiers Andrus Veerpalu and Kristina ©migun brought honour and fame to Estonia and earned the issue of one stamp in 2002 and three in 2006. From the discus final taking place in front of the full house of the Beijing Olympic stadium on August 19, 2008 Estonian sports fans expected a medal from the previous year's world champion, Gerd Kanter and Gerd didn't disappoint them, sending his discus one meter farther in the fourth round than his main rivals Piotr Malachowski from Poland and Virgilijus Alekna from Lithuania. Before the Games the Lithuanian was regarded as one of Kanter's most serious rivals. By his feat he took his place in the line of such legendary discus-throwers as Al Oerter, Jürgen Schult, Lars Riedel and Virgilijus Alekna.

Comment: This is my best FDC in my real posted collection. I like it very much. This set dedicates to 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist - Gerd Kanter, do you find Gerd Kanter's autograph on this FDC? and the stamp's designer, Lembit Lõhmus, also signed his name on this FDC.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Estonia Rowers Postal Stationery

Estonia Postal Stationery
Name: Olympic Silver Medallists Jüri Jaanson and Tõnu Endrekson
Date of Issue: 25 September 2008

In 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Estonian rowing legend Jüri Jaanson and Tõnu Endrekson competed in the double sculls event. The duo was third in their preliminary heat. In the semi-finals the men were second and assured themselves a place in the Final A. They finished second in the final just 0,05 seconds in front of the British duo Matthew Wells and Stephen Rowbotham.

Comment: This is my best Postal Stationery in my real posted collection. It has three autographes on this postcard, there are Endrekson (left), Jaanson (middle) and designer Lembit Lõhmus (right).

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Great Britain Handover FDC

Great Britain FDC
Name: Handover of the Olympic Flag from Beijing to London (China - Great Britain Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 22 August 2008

Denominations:
1st: National Stadium, Beijing
The National Stadium, also known as "Bird's Nest", located in the southern part of the core area of the Olympic Green, is the main venue for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. Covering a land area of 21 hectares and a total floor space of 258,000 square meters, the stadium offers 91,000 seats, including 11,000 temporary ones. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as well as the track-and-field events and soccer finals. After the Games, the stadium will serve as a public venue for people to extensively participate in athletic and recreational activities, and will become a landmark sports structure.

1st: London Eye
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, located on the bank of the River Thames, is a 135-meter-high Ferris wheel and a beautiful sight in the skyline of London. The London Eye, erected and opened to the public in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, has now become a landmark and the most popular tourist attraction in London. Tourists can sit high up in the sky above downtown London and take a magnificent view of the city while listening to the narrative about it.

1st: Tower of London
The Tower of London, located by the Tower Hill on the north bank of the River Thames, is a Norman castle of over nine centuries old. The Tower functioned in history as a fortress, an arsenal, a treasury, a mint, a royal palace, an execution ground, an astronomical observatory, a refuge and a prison (particularly for high0ranking or royal prisoners). It has now become a renowned tourist resort of the UK. The museum in the Tower houses ancient weapons, crowns and royal jewelry. The Tower of London was listed among the World Cultural Heritage sites in 1988.

1st: Corner Tower, Forbidden City, Beijing
Corner Towers are part of the Forbidden City in Beijing and functioned as defense facilities for the Imperial Palace along with the city wall, gate towers and moat. The four corner towers placed at the four corners of the Forbidden City are of the same structure, consisting of a triple-eave roof, nine main beams, 18 columns, and 72 ridgepoles. They are characterized by complex appearance and exquisitely decorated vermilion walls and yellow tiles. The four corner towers of the Forbidden City carry forward the features of ancient Chinese timber-framed architecture, namely flexibility and variation, and combine functions with decorative effect, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

Comment: The handover took place on the closing ceremony of the Olympic Game on 24 August. As Royal Mail never issue stamps on Sunday, Royal Mail agreed with China Post and the IOC to issue this set on 22nd August, two days before the handover ceremony.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Belarus Olympic Games FDC

Belarus FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 15 August 2008

Comment: Belarus Post didn't issue their 2008 Olympic Games set on 08.08.08 or before it, it's interesting. They use rowers' figure on this set. Finally, Belarus athletes have won half of their gold medal from Canoe/Kayak - Flatwater event, is that an irony?

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Italy Olympic Games FDC

Italy FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 07 July 2008

Denominations:
€ 0.60: The € 0.60 stamp features the outline of an Olympic torchbearer pictured in the centre of a ceramic plate. Its stylised graphics depict part of the globe's surface, with two red dots indicating the geographic locations of Athens and Beijing. The plate is framed in by a Greek border on the left and a floral border on the right. The five Olympic rings are pictured in the upper right.

€ 0.85: The € 0.85 stamp features a disc framed in by a Greek border on the left and a floral border on the right. On the left-hand side of the disc, there are some figures of athletes similar to those designed on Ancient Greek ceramics; on the right-hand side there are some Asian athletes. The five Olympic rings are pictured in the centre of the disc.

Comment: What a long trip again from Italy, it was sent on 07.07.08, but reach to me on 09.09.08.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Hong Kong Olympic Games M/S FDC

Hong Kong Minisheet FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - Equestrian Events
Date of Issue: 09 August 2008

To celebrate the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (Games of the XXIX Olympiad) being held in August 2008 and Hong Kong's very special honour of co-hosting the equestrian events, a set of commemorative stamps is issued by Hongkong Post to mark this glorious milestone in the sports achievement of our city.

Developed over a long history, Equestrian is an elegant yet competitive sport that emphasises unique understanding and perfect partnership between the rider and the horse. It was officially included in the Olympic Games in 1900. Equestrian is one of the very few sports in which men and women compete on equal terms in the same event. Three equestrian disciplines, namely Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, in addition to a victory scene are displayed on this set of stamps.

Denominations:
$1.40 – Jumping: Soaring Leaps
Jumping requires the horse to jump and clear a series of obstacles, aiming for minimum penalties incurred and completion within a set time. To enable optimal balance and minimum resistance at take-off, the rider often adopts a forward posture parallel to the back of the horse, resulting in a confident jump over the fence.

$2.40 – Dressage: Graceful Steps
Often described as horses performing ballet, Dressage requires the horse to execute both set movements and freestyle to music in perfect harmony with its rider. Marks are awarded by a panel of judges based on the precision and elegance of the movements.

$3 – Eventing: Ultimate Challenge
Eventing integrates Jumping, Dressage and Cross-Country into one competition, with the winners decided on minimum total penalties. The cross-country phase requires the horse to complete a set course within a set time, clearing a series of obstacles on the way.

$5 – Victory: Heartfelt Cheers
Victory in the Olympics is always a moment worthy of a shower of colourful streamers and a wave of warm applause as it is the result of dedicated effort, tireless training and excellent performance in the competition.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Hong Kong Olympic Games FDCs

Hong Kong FDCs
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - Equestrian Events
Date of Issue: 09 August 2008

To celebrate the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (Games of the XXIX Olympiad) being held in August 2008 and Hong Kong's very special honour of co-hosting the equestrian events, a set of commemorative stamps is issued by Hongkong Post to mark this glorious milestone in the sports achievement of our city.

Developed over a long history, Equestrian is an elegant yet competitive sport that emphasises unique understanding and perfect partnership between the rider and the horse. It was officially included in the Olympic Games in 1900. Equestrian is one of the very few sports in which men and women compete on equal terms in the same event. Three equestrian disciplines, namely Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, in addition to a victory scene are displayed on this set of stamps.

Denominations:
$1.40 – Jumping: Soaring Leaps
Jumping requires the horse to jump and clear a series of obstacles, aiming for minimum penalties incurred and completion within a set time. To enable optimal balance and minimum resistance at take-off, the rider often adopts a forward posture parallel to the back of the horse, resulting in a confident jump over the fence.

$2.40 – Dressage: Graceful Steps
Often described as horses performing ballet, Dressage requires the horse to execute both set movements and freestyle to music in perfect harmony with its rider. Marks are awarded by a panel of judges based on the precision and elegance of the movements.

$3 – Eventing: Ultimate Challenge
Eventing integrates Jumping, Dressage and Cross-Country into one competition, with the winners decided on minimum total penalties. The cross-country phase requires the horse to complete a set course within a set time, clearing a series of obstacles on the way.

$5 – Victory: Heartfelt Cheers
Victory in the Olympics is always a moment worthy of a shower of colourful streamers and a wave of warm applause as it is the result of dedicated effort, tireless training and excellent performance in the competition.

Comment: The Complete set FDC was sent from FOT Post Office, the nearest post office from the Sha Tin Racecourse.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Philippines Olympic Games FDC

Philippines FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Denominations:
P7: Archery
P20: Taekwondo
P24: Equestrian
P26: Weightlifting

Comment: This set should be issued on 08-08-08, but my friend said this FDC was sold on 20-08-08, he didn't add anymore stamps to send this FDC by registered mail, that's meaning Philippine FDC's postage is valid for a long time after issue day.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Latvia Olympic Games FDC

Latvia FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Comment: I have received FDCs from all of the Baltic states about 2008 Olympic Games. Latvian athletes did the best job in Baltic states, they have won 1 gold medal, 1 silver medal and 1 bronze medal this time. BTW, Latvia Post has used new type registered label (barcode). So Finland Post needn't add a big label on it when they transit it.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Turkey Olympic Games FDC

Turkey FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Denominations:
25 Yeni Kuruş: Archery
65 Yeni Kuruş: Taekwondo
80 Yeni Kuruş: Wrestling
80 Yeni Kuruş: Weightlifting

Comment: It's interesting, Turkish athletes have won medal in all of high denominations' events (65, 80 and 80 Yeni Kuruş). But the low denomination (25 Yeni Kuruş), Turkish athletes got nothing.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Estonia Olympic Games Sheetlet FDC

Estonia Sheetlet FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Every four years the flame of Olympic Summer Games is lit in Olympia, Greece, inviting the fastest and strongest men and women of the planet to test their strengths, this year for the 29th time since the revitalisation of the antique tradition and for the third time in Asia, in Beijing. Estonia took part in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1920 in Antwerp and brought back a gold medal – Alfred Neuland won it in lightweight weightlifting. By that time an Estonian athlete had already won an Olympic medal – silver in wrestling by Martin Klein in 1912. In the period before World War II it was the Estonian strongmen who reaped laurels at Olympic Games. Kristjan Palusalu's two gold medals from the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin where he reigned supreme both in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling crowned their successful performance. In 1955-1988 Estonian sportsmen competed in Soviet colours. Svetlana Chirkova and Erika Salumäe won gold medals twice – the former in foil fencing in Mexico and Munich and the latter in the sprint track event in Soul and Barcelona. Starting with the first modern Olympic Games postage stamps dedicated to this international sports festival have been issued over more than a hundred years. Estonia joined the rest of the world after the restoration of its independence. In 1992, after a forced interval of more than half a century, Estonia once again sent its team to compete under the blue, black and white national flag to Barcelona and printed its first Olympic stamps. The stamp issued on the opening day of the Beijing Olympic Games on 8 August 2008 features the Discobolus of Myron and the logo of the games. The names of the twenty Estonian athletes who have won gold medals at Olympic Summer Games appear in gold in the pane margins.

Comment: After Olympic Games, I have realized why Eesti Post uses Discobolus' feature for this set. It's for Gerd Kanter, their only gold medalist in 2008 Olympic Games. lol!

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Estonia Olympic Games FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Every four years the flame of Olympic Summer Games is lit in Olympia, Greece, inviting the fastest and strongest men and women of the planet to test their strengths, this year for the 29th time since the revitalisation of the antique tradition and for the third time in Asia, in Beijing. Estonia took part in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1920 in Antwerp and brought back a gold medal – Alfred Neuland won it in lightweight weightlifting. By that time an Estonian athlete had already won an Olympic medal – silver in wrestling by Martin Klein in 1912. In the period before World War II it was the Estonian strongmen who reaped laurels at Olympic Games. Kristjan Palusalu's two gold medals from the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin where he reigned supreme both in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling crowned their successful performance. In 1955-1988 Estonian sportsmen competed in Soviet colours. Svetlana Chirkova and Erika Salumäe won gold medals twice – the former in foil fencing in Mexico and Munich and the latter in the sprint track event in Soul and Barcelona. Starting with the first modern Olympic Games postage stamps dedicated to this international sports festival have been issued over more than a hundred years. Estonia joined the rest of the world after the restoration of its independence. In 1992, after a forced interval of more than half a century, Estonia once again sent its team to compete under the blue, black and white national flag to Barcelona and printed its first Olympic stamps. The stamp issued on the opening day of the Beijing Olympic Games on 8 August 2008 features the Discobolus of Myron and the logo of the games. The names of the twenty Estonian athletes who have won gold medals at Olympic Summer Games appear in gold in the pane margins.

Comment: I must thank my Estonian friend who asked the stamp designer to sign his name on this FDC.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

China Self-Adhesive Sheetlet: 2008-20

China Sheetlet II (Self-Adhesive)
Name: Olympic Games from Beijing to London (China - Great Britain Joint Issue)
Number: 2008-20
Date of Issue: 24 August 2008
Value: 12 stamps/sheet

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (4-1): National Stadium, Beijing
The National Stadium, also known as "Bird's Nest", located in the southern part of the core area of the Olympic Green, is the main venue for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. Covering a land area of 21 hectares and a total floor space of 258,000 square meters, the stadium offers 91,000 seats, including 11,000 temporary ones. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as well as the track-and-field events and soccer finals. After the Games, the stadium will serve as a public venue for people to extensively participate in athletic and recreational activities, and will become a landmark sports structure.

1.20 Yuan (4-2): Corner Tower, Forbidden City, Beijing
Corner Towers are part of the Forbidden City in Beijing and functioned as defense facilities for the Imperial Palace along with the city wall, gate towers and moat. The four corner towers placed at the four corners of the Forbidden City are of the same structure, consisting of a triple-eave roof, nine main beams, 18 columns, and 72 ridgepoles. They are characterized by complex appearance and exquisitely decorated vermilion walls and yellow tiles. The four corner towers of the Forbidden City carry forward the features of ancient Chinese timber-framed architecture, namely flexibility and variation, and combine functions with decorative effect, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

1.20 Yuan (4-3): London Eye
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, located on the bank of the River Thames, is a 135-meter-high Ferris wheel and a beautiful sight in the skyline of London. The London Eye, erected and opened to the public in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, has now become a landmark and the most popular tourist attraction in London. Tourists can sit high up in the sky above downtown London and take a magnificent view of the city while listening to the narrative about it.

1.20 Yuan (4-4): Tower of London
The Tower of London, located by the Tower Hill on the north bank of the River Thames, is a Norman castle of over nine centuries old. The Tower functioned in history as a fortress, an arsenal, a treasury, a mint, a royal palace, an execution ground, an astronomical observatory, a refuge and a prison (particularly for high0ranking or royal prisoners). It has now become a renowned tourist resort of the UK. The museum in the Tower houses ancient weapons, crowns and royal jewelry. The Tower of London was listed among the World Cultural Heritage sites in 1988.

China Stamp: 2008-20

China Stamps
Name: Olympic Games from Beijing to London (China - Great Britain Joint Issue)
Number: 2008-20
Date of Issue: 24 August 2008
Value: 4 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (4-1): National Stadium, Beijing
The National Stadium, also known as "Bird's Nest", located in the southern part of the core area of the Olympic Green, is the main venue for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. Covering a land area of 21 hectares and a total floor space of 258,000 square meters, the stadium offers 91,000 seats, including 11,000 temporary ones. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as well as the track-and-field events and soccer finals. After the Games, the stadium will serve as a public venue for people to extensively participate in athletic and recreational activities, and will become a landmark sports structure.

1.20 Yuan (4-2): Corner Tower, Forbidden City, Beijing
Corner Towers are part of the Forbidden City in Beijing and functioned as defense facilities for the Imperial Palace along with the city wall, gate towers and moat. The four corner towers placed at the four corners of the Forbidden City are of the same structure, consisting of a triple-eave roof, nine main beams, 18 columns, and 72 ridgepoles. They are characterized by complex appearance and exquisitely decorated vermilion walls and yellow tiles. The four corner towers of the Forbidden City carry forward the features of ancient Chinese timber-framed architecture, namely flexibility and variation, and combine functions with decorative effect, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

1.20 Yuan (4-3): London Eye
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, located on the bank of the River Thames, is a 135-meter-high Ferris wheel and a beautiful sight in the skyline of London. The London Eye, erected and opened to the public in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, has now become a landmark and the most popular tourist attraction in London. Tourists can sit high up in the sky above downtown London and take a magnificent view of the city while listening to the narrative about it.

1.20 Yuan (4-4): Tower of London
The Tower of London, located by the Tower Hill on the north bank of the River Thames, is a Norman castle of over nine centuries old. The Tower functioned in history as a fortress, an arsenal, a treasury, a mint, a royal palace, an execution ground, an astronomical observatory, a refuge and a prison (particularly for high0ranking or royal prisoners). It has now become a renowned tourist resort of the UK. The museum in the Tower houses ancient weapons, crowns and royal jewelry. The Tower of London was listed among the World Cultural Heritage sites in 1988.

Singapore Olympic Games FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: Table Tennis
2ND LOCAL: Sailing
$1.10: Shooting
$1.10: Badminton

According to historical records, the First Ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC, and the First Modern Olympic Games was held in Athens in 1896. From the 241 participants from 14 nations in 1896, the games grew to nearly 11,000 competitors from 202 countries at the 2004 Olympic in Athens.

Now held every four years, the Olympic Games bring together the world finest athletes to compete against one another in one place "In ture spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of the sport and the honour of our teams". The never-say-die spirit in trying to achieve their dream and place on the rostrum provides the sportsmanship that all around the world is watching enthusiastically.

The significance, scale and splendour of the games truly invokes and inspires in many, passion, determination, dedication and the pursuit of excellence, which together, dutifully described the Olympic motto "Citius Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger).

This year the Games of the XXIX Olympiad will be celebrated in Beijing, China from 8 August 2008. With the theme "One World One Dream", it truly reflects the Olympic spirit of unity, friendship, progress, harmony, participation and dream striving to achieve the common wishes of the people all over the world, for a brighter and better future of mankind.

In this set of four stamps, dark silhouettes of the athletes in action are artfully illustrated against a white background. The Games of the XXIX Olympiad being set in Beijing, the Chinese words of the poular Singapore Olympic sports (Table Tennis, Sailing, Shooting and Badminton) were also featured respectively in the stamps, giving it an added oriental touch.

Comment: The design looks easy, but I like this set, it's very special to depict the Olympic events.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Poland Olympic Games FDC

Poland FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

From 8 to 24 August this year the eyes of the world are turned to the city of Beijing. In 2001, the International Olympic Committee decided to appoint the Chinese capital as the site of the summer Olympic Games. The location has been the reason for much controversy. China is a fascinating country with an inspiring history and a rich culture, and also a global economic power. But it is also a state where the system of government and the observance of human and civil rights have long been contested by the international opinion.

Despite the controversies caused by the decision of the IOC, the Olympic Games is undoubtedly a true feast for sport lovers. The slogan of the Beijing Olympics is "One world - one dream". The Polish Olympic team comprises 263 athletes, and is the largest in the last 28 years! The Polish Post is one of the sponsors of the Polish Olympic Team at the Beijing Olympic Games 2008.

New postage stamps and First Day Covers

The stamps issued to commemorate the Olympic Games present 4 out of the 28 Olympic disciplines: swimming, volleyball, the pole vault and fencing - it is those particular sports that our representatives are most hopeful to win medals in. The stamps are placed together in a block on the background of a traditional Chinese wood carving and the word "Beijing" written in its original form.
The design of the First Day Cover includes the same illustration, added with a photograph of the new Beijing stadium called the "Bird's Nest".
An occasional date stamp will be used, as a matter of exception, in the 88 Warsaw Post Office (at 10 Melomanów Str.). Eight is considered a lucky number in China. It is no coincidence that the games start on 8 August 2008, at 8.08 pm local time. Number "8" was also specially emphasised in the design of the Polish Post stamps. We would like it to bring good luck to our athletes, too.

Philately

The Polish Post has been issuing postage stamps related to the Olympic Games since 1956. It was then that a series of 6 postage stamps, commemorating the 16th Olympic Games held in Melbourne, was issued. An additional stamp, depicting the record 6.35 metre long jump by Elżbieta Krzesińska and the gold medal awarded for that result, was issued immediately after the Melbourne games. During the next couple of months, the Olympic Centre of the Żoliborz district in Warsaw will house an exhibition of all the Olympic stamp issues.

Comment: Polish Post really did a good job. They know Chinese likes number "8", so you could find many "8" on this FDC. BTW, I received this FDC on 14th Aug. and Polish athletes won their first gold and silver medal on 15th Aug. Is that a coincidence? This FDC brought the good luck for them, lol

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Algeria Olympic Games FDC

Algeria FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 23 July 2008

Denominations:
15.00: Fencing
15.00: Wrestling

The Olympic Games are considered as the most important sportive event in the world. They consist of a number of competitions taking place every four years through summer and winter editions.

The historic Greece was at the origin of organizing the first Olympic Games' editions. These last knew a break afterward.

At the end of the 19th century, the Olympic Games were recreated and than they reborn by a French man called "Baron Pierre Frédy de Coubertin". In 1896, the first renewed Olympic Games took place in Athens ( Greece ).

The World Olympic Movement counts about 22 winter Olympic Games editions and 28 summer editions by taking in consideration for these last the ones planned respectively in 1916, 1940 and 1944 which were postponed because of the First and the Second World War.

By participating in 2008 Beijing 's Olympics, Algeria will register its eleventh contribution in the Olympic Games in general. The first Algerian participation in such events was recorded for the first time in Tokyo ( Japan ) during the year 1964. It was awarded a number of medals among which 4 golden, 1 silver and 7 bronze medals.


However, Beijing, the capital of the Republic of People's China will shelter, from 8th to 24th August 2008, the 29th edition of summer Olympic Games under a sign symbolising the popular "Beijing's dance".

The Algerian team, directed by the Algerian Olympic Committee will take part in 13 specialities included in Olympics' programme. These specialities are: athletics, rowing, boxing, volley ball, cycling, wrestling, judo, badminton, table-tennis, foil, swimming, weightlifting and kayaks race.

Comment: Algeria had won 2 Judo medals so far, I think they are good at Judo. I watched the matches, Soraya Haddad and Amar Benikhlef did good job.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

China M/S: Olympic Sports

China Minisheet
Name: The Games of The XXIX Olympiad - Olympic Sports
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008
Value: 10 stamps/sheet

Denominations:
60 Fen: Basketball
80 Fen: Fencing
80 Fen: Sailing
3 Yuan: Gymnastics

1.20 Yuan: Diving
1.20 Yuan: Shooting
1.20 Yuan: Athletics
1.20 Yuan: Volleyball
1.20 Yuan: BMX
1.20 Yuan: Weightlifting

The program for the Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the Athens Games held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men's events, 127 women's events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.

Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new cycling discipline of BMX. Women will compete in the 3000 m steeplechase for the first time. In addition, marathon swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 kilometres, will be added to the swimming discipline. Team events (men and women) in table tennis will replace the doubles events. In fencing, women's team foil and women's team sabre will replace men's team foil and women's team epee.

Comment: There stamps were issued in 2006 and 2007, but China Post combines these stamps in a big sheet and issued on 08 August 2008.

China Self-Adhesive Sheetlet: 2008-18

China Sheetlet II (Self-Adhesive)
Name: The Opening Memorial of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad
Number: 2008-18
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008
Value: 8 stamps/sheet

The 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium. It began at 8:00 PM or 20:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8) on 8 August 2008.The number 8 is associated with prosperity and confidence in Chinese culture. The ceremony was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".

A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of Fou drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant scroll was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's Sarah Brightman and China's Liu Huan, and was titled You and Me.

Former Chinese gymnast Li Ning ignited the cauldron.

The entry parade of the competing athletes was in a different order from previous Olympic ceremonies, because it was not in ordinary alphabetical order of the names of the competing nations but in order (lowest first) of how many strokes are in their Chinese character transcriptions; for example, Australia was near the end because the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 15 strokes.

China Stamp: 2008-18

China Stamps
Name: The Opening Memorial of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad
Number: 2008-18
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008
Value: 1 stamp/set

The 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium. It began at 8:00 PM or 20:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8) on 8 August 2008.The number 8 is associated with prosperity and confidence in Chinese culture. The ceremony was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".

A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of Fou drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant scroll was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's Sarah Brightman and China's Liu Huan, and was titled You and Me.

Former Chinese gymnast Li Ning ignited the cauldron.

The entry parade of the competing athletes was in a different order from previous Olympic ceremonies, because it was not in ordinary alphabetical order of the names of the competing nations but in order (lowest first) of how many strokes are in their Chinese character transcriptions; for example, Australia was near the end because the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 15 strokes.

Comment: Did you watch the Opening Ceremony? Do you realize the meaning of this design?