New stamps and School Awards celebrate Special Olympics

19 May 2003

The stamps, which were unveiled by the four Special Olympics athletes whose images are featured on the stamps, will go on sale on Tuesday May 20, at all major post offices throughout the country.

A 41c stamp features athlete Shauna Bradley from Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow who took part in bowling in 1999 North Carolina Games while outstanding Special Olympics Athlete, Ezra Canty from New York is shown on the 57 cent stamp.

A 50c stamp shows swimmer Michael Breen from Gorey, Co. Wexford who also competed in the 1999 North Carolina Games and a €1 stamp features Michael Mullins, an athlete from Casla, Co Galway who took part in the shotputt in the 1999 Games and will compete this year in Athletics.

Prize winners in the Schools Enrichment Programme - which formed a major part of the An Post sponsorship of the Special Olympics Summer Games and attracted more than 40,000 entries - also received their awards following the stamp launch.

The values of inclusiveness and diversity were chosen as the themes for the Schools Enrichment Programme which for the first time involved primary and post-primary schools in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland.

An Post chairperson Margaret McGinley said that for 20 years An Post had been working with Irish schools to raise awareness and stimulate interest in civic, cultural and environmental issues.

“Involving schools on both sides of the border and taking the theme of diversity offers us the opportunity to plant the seed of understanding and cherishing all our citizens. I am delighted to learn that the programme has been a huge success,” she said.

Minister Browne commended An Post for its support of the Special Olympics 2003 World Summer Games.

“As a State company with a nationwide profile, its staff is involved at every level in activities in their local community. The stamps unveiled today would be an enduring reminder of one of the great events in Irish life” he said.

As well as the stamps which were designed by the Irish International design agency, An Post has produced a special edition presentation pack containing stamps and background information in a colourful folder, priced €5.00. Pack and stamps are available from the Philatelic Bureau, GPO, Dublin or www.irishstamps.ie