PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER

Nr. 29 = 2018

Algeria

Algérie Poste issued on July 17, 2018 a set of two stamps commemorating the 3rd African Youth Games in Algiers. One of the stamps has a pictogram .

The face value of each stamp is 25 Algerian Dinars (DA) and are printed in sheets of 25 (5x5) stamps. Designer is Tayeb Laidi. Printing factory is Banque d’Algérie The set has a FDC (selling price DA 7,00) with a FD cancel which has the same pictograms as the stamp, so inclusive beach volleyball. SEE cachet FDC. This FD cancel is from Sétif but more cities are known such as Alger, Constantine and Souk Ahras. Stamps and FDC were available in all post offices in the country from Sunday July 22, 2018 on.

The games were organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeux_africains_de_la_jeunesse The competition brought together more than 3000 athletes aged between 15 and 18 years old and 1000 officials representing 54 African countries that will compete in 35 sports disciplines. https://jajalger2018.org/fr/?page_id=216

Australia

On February 20, 2018 Australian Post issued an one dollar stamp to commemorate the 21st Commonwealth Games with a FD cancel from BOROBI (a koala) the mascot of the Games. On the same date two presentation packs were issued with two sheets each. One pack has mascot Borobi on the labels and the other one has sports. The sports on the labels were practiced during the Games incl. – for the very first time - beach volleyball.

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

On April 4, 2018, over 6,500 athletes and team officials from 71 nations and territories converged on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games. With the support of almost 15,000 volunteers, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) were the largest sporting event has hosted this decade, featuring 18 sports and seven para-sports. At this games, for the first time in the history of a major multi-sport event, there were an equal number of medal events for men and women. On January 25, 2018 already Australia Post issued a postal stationary with the Coolangatta Beach where the beach volleyball matches took place. The photo is taken by Simon Beedle Photography.

https://www.gc2018.com/video/beach-volleyball-gc2018 https://thecgf.com/games https://gc2018.thecgf.com/ https://results.gc2018.com/en/beach-volleyball/daily-schedule.htm

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

Azerbaijan

On August 22, 2017 Azermarka LLC of the Communication and High Technologies Ministry celebrated their OWN 25th anniversary with a bloc. The face value is one Manat (AZN). A FDC was issued also. Pictured is a special logo devoted to this anniversary. On the sheet margin of the bloc stamps/blocs are pictured issued by “Azermarka” earlier. One of them is the mini sheet from April 23, 2015 with volleyball. The bloc exists also imperforated.

http://www.stamps.az/2017/10/new-azerbaijan-postage-stamp-2017.html

Belarus

Belpochta issued in April (?) 2017 a stationary to commemorate the volleyball club Minsk. The face value of the cover is “A” being BYN (New Belarusian Ruble) 0,36. It is the rate for covers up to 20 gram within Belarus.

At the backside of the cover the following text is written down: Sports children and the youth school of the future Olympic hopefuls from the volleyball club MINSK begins its history in 1967. Today, this single school in volleyball in the city of MINSK, which is engaged in the preparation of sports hopefuls. A large galaxy of graduates from school perform in professional clubs both in Belarus and in other countries and became champions of these countries. The envelope was prepared jointly with the volleyball club MINSK.

http://vcminsk.com/en/ http://minsksport.by/ru/vc_minsk_en

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

China

On August 8, 2018 the OLYMPIC EXPO in Beijing and Shanghai had their opening ceremony. But the launching ceremony of the Expo was held on May 11, 2018 marking the 10th anniversary of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It is also the 10th anniversary of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Expo. In terms of both, the 2018 Olympic Expo highlighted these historical moments. The Expo was held in Beijing and Shanghai with the theme of "Twice Olympic Cities". The stamp exhibition was in Shanghai where many dealers tried to sell their products. In addition, special projects were also exhibited, such as Olympics and Fashion, Olympic Market Forum, Olympics and Children, Olympics and Sports Science. But of course Beijing 2022 was the topic in both cities. These themes communicate a key point: "The Olympics, not just sports", alluding to the higher ideals espoused by the international Olympic movement. Shanghai post office issued meter cancels and one of them has volleyball in the “flag” with the slogan: Stamp Collecting and Sport.

Colombia

Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A. better known as 4-72 issued on July 19, 2018 a set of two stamps to commemorate the XXIII Central American and Caribbean Sports Games in Barranquilla. The stamps were printed in a sheet with 24 stamps (2x12) with a face value of Pesos 48,000. Printed were 12,568 sheets (?!?) and the printing factory was Cartor Security Printing. The FDC with the two stamps had a selling price of Pesos 6,500. Printed were 600 numbered FDC’s. The sheet, the FDC and an information folder were also available in a presentation pack with a price of Pesos 69.500. The sheet has pictograms from all sports in the margin so incl. beach volleyball and volleyball. Besides this all sports are mentioned in text. Our sports are right below.

http://barranquilla2018.com/ PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

Cuba

On Sep 6, 2018 Correos de Cuba issued two stamps in se-tenant (with FDC) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first volleyball world title.

The stamps have a face value of Centavos 65,00 being the rate for covers till 20gr. to North & South America. The women’s team won the final on Sep 6, 1978 in Leningrad (USSR) by beating Japan with 3-0.

On one stamp fourteen players are pictured but only thirteen are known: Mercedes Pomares Primelles (captain) - Maura Alfonso - Nelly Barnet - Ana Díaz Martinez Erenia Díaz Sanchez - Ana María García Crespo - Mavis Guillarte Fernandez – Libertad “Chela” González - Ana Ibis Díaz - Cirenia Martínez Lendy - Mercedes “Mamita” Pérez Hernandez - Imilsis Téllez Tureada - Lucila Urgellés Savon Head coach Eugenio George (1935-2014) and Antonio “Nico” Perdomo (1943-2009) as assistant. REMARK: Perhaps the designer (unknown so far) did not know that a team in 1978 consisted of only twelve (female) players. Why thirteen names: Nelly Barnet had an injury in her neck and was replaced by Erenia Díaz Sanchez. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-y5MfVTNKI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIZytAY_0Uw

Dominican Republic

Instituto Postal Dominicano (INPOSDOM) issued on July 4, 2018 a mini-sheet with four stamps at RD $ 25.00 each and a FDC to commemorate the 23rd Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla (Colombia). The first participation of the Dominican Republic in these Games, which are held since 1926, was in the year 1946. The Dominicans will be participating in several disciplines with a delegation of athletes prepared and always ready to look for medals. These disciplines are: women's volleyball, men's , and artistic . Printed were 20,000 sheets. The designer is Alejandro Vignieri. Printing factory is Editorama S.A.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_cyCK2gD3w

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

France

On June 23 and 24 2017, the city of Paris, in collaboration with the French National Olympic Committee (CNOSF) and the Organizing Committee for the bid for Paris at the Olympic Games in 2024, organized the Olympic Days with the slogan "Je suis en mode JO" ("I'm in Olympic Days mode"). During these two days, the heart of Paris had transformed itself into an ephemeral Olympic park, dedicated to the celebration of sport and Olympism, with in particular introductions to some thirty Olympic and Paralympic sporting disciplines and demonstrations by many French athletes. Moreover the Olympic Days were organized in many other cities in entire France.

The French Post, one of the official partners of the bidding committee Paris 2024, was present during these Olympic Days and offered the public several types of postcards, two cards in black/white (print run : 8,000 each) and four coloring cards (print run: 4,000 each) and all of these cards were distributed during these two days. These cards were not for sale later on and "Ne pas affranchir” (No stamp needed). so it were postal stationaries.

La Poste issued on March 24, 2018 a stamp with label and a face value of € 0,80 to celebrate the 120th anniversary of this ASPTT Sports Federation ("Association Sportive des Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones"). Printed are 700,008 stamps - designed by Stéphane Humbert-Basset – and many FDC’s. The omnisports (including handisport) are symbolized on that stamp by colorful silhouettes of all ages practicing different sport activities (cycling, , volleyball, basketball, diving, running).

The FD Cancel has the slogan: “Cultivons vos envies” which means “Let's grow your desires”.

In 1898, the Cycling Union of Post and Telegraph of the Gironde was created in Bordeaux, with the aim of teaching postmen to bike and thus allowing a faster and more efficient delivery of mail. The creation of this Union marked the birth of the ASPTT throughout France. PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

In 1945, 47 ASPTT’s created the ASPTT Union and in 1965, President Charles de Gaulle restructured the sport in France, relying in particular on ASPTT which were no longer reserved for PTT members only. The ASPTT Sports Federation, created in 2005, is approved by the Ministry of Sports and is a member of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee. The movement plays a considerable role in the territorial sporting life and in the animation of neighborhoods. The movement can therefore be proud of its history and its legacy with legendary athletes such as Marcel Cerdan (), Richard Virenque (cycling), Gael Monfils (tennis) and Aimé Jacqiet (football player & coach). Even today, ASPTTs have many top athletes in their ranks. Today, the ASPTT Sports Federation is made up of 20,000 supervisors and volunteers, 213 clubs with 200,000 members,. In May 2018 the ASPTT federation celebrated its 120th anniversary. This anniversary was marked by sporting and cultural events. https://asptt.com/offre-sportive/120-ans-du-mouvement-asptt/

On Delcampe a “new personalized stamp” Mon timbre en ligne was for sale. The print run must have been April 17, 2017.

http://www.paysdeloire-volley.com/wp/

Germany

On October 11, 2018 the private company PostMODERN (Media Logistik GmbH) issued a booklet with ten self- adhesive stamps with a face value of € 0,85 each – being the rate for mail till 50 gr. within Germany – to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Dresdner Sport Club (DSC) 1898. On one of the stamps a female volleyball player is pictured. The cover of the booklet has a lot of pictograms with i.e. volleyball.

https://www.dresdnersportclub.de/ https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dresdner_SC_(Volleyball)

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

India

India Post issued a set of four stamps on World Environment Day 2018 (June 5) under the this year’s theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” with of a denomination Rs 5 each.

One of the stamps has a volleyball player on the beach. The stamps are printed in sheets with 45 (9x5) stamps each. The issue has a mini sheet with the four stamps also. Designer of this issue (FDC incl.) is Shri Suresh Kumar. Issued are 600,000 stamps each and 110,000 sheets.

World Environment Day [WED] was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972. Its celebration started in 1974 with the slogan: “Only One Earth”. “Beat Plastic Pollution” is a call to action for all of us to come together to combat one of the great environmental challenges of our time. Chosen by this year’s host, India, the theme of World Environment Day 2018 invites us all to consider how we can make changes in our everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of plastic pollution on our natural places, our wildlife and our own health. Every year, up to 13 million tons of plastic leak into our oceans, where it smothers coral reefs and threatens vulnerable marine wildlife.

http://worldenvironmentday.global/en

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

Indonesia

PT issued on January 18, 2018 a set of nine stamps and two blocs to commemorate the 18th Asian Games. One of the (numbered) blocs is volleyball. The stamps are printed in a sheet with two times the set. The stamps have two FDC’s (1,500 sets) but the blocs do not have one. On January 23, 2018 POS Indonesia published the stamps and blocs on their website, the blocs should have been printed in 15,000 pieces each and the sheets in 40,000 pieces. But in two special folders – with a face value of Rupiah 30,000 each - perforated and imperforated blocs were offered. The perforated one mention now 13,000 pieces and the imperforated one 2,000. Part of the folder are also two coins commemorating the Games, one in each pack. The selling price of the folders is Rupiah 125,000 each. As the largest multi-sport competition, after the Olympic Games, the Asian Games are one of the most prestigious events in the world of sports. These games are organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, once every four years. The 18th Asian Games were held in Indonesia from August 18 to September 2, 2018. For the first time, competitions in these games are being co-hosted by two cities: Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, and Palembang, the capital of the province of South Sumatra. This edition of the Asian Games brings together approximately 11,000 athletes from 45 countries or territories which are members of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), in 40 different sports (including 28 Olympic sports).

https://asiangames2018.id/ https://asiangames2018.id/sports/subdetail/bola-voli/6

ATUNG

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

Italy

Poste Italiane issued more than 1,100 (!!) cancels in 2018 and ten are related to volleyball.

May 13, 2018 16121 Spazio Filatelia Genova Giochi di maggio 2018 - 37^ edizione 21° Memorial Roberto Carmarino

May 27, 2018 19121 La Spezia Centro ASD Pallavolo Don Bosco La Spezia 25° Memorial Silvio Guani

June 30, 2018 66100 Chieti Centro 35° Trofeo delle Regioni di pallavolo giovanile indoor e beach Abruzzo '18 - Pineto Montesilvano Pescara Chieti Francavilla al mare

On the first day – September 26, 2018 - of the Final Six from the World Championship for men in Turin Poste Italiane issued a folder with a “maximum card” with a stamp of Turin and a postcard. The selling price was € 7,00. Printed were 3,500 folders.

Sep 26, 2018 10121 Spazio Filatelia Torino Men's world championship Italy - Bulgaria 2018 Volleyball

Sep 26, 2018 10121 Spazio Filatelia Torino Men's world championship Italy - Bulgaria 2018 The final Torino

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

Sep 27, 2018 10121 Spazio Filatelia Torino Men's world championship Italy - Bulgaria 2018 The final Torino

Sep 28, 2018 10121 Spazio Filatelia Torino Men's world championship Italy - Bulgaria 2018 The final Torino

Who should remember in 2034 that the cancels at the right side have a relation with the World Championship volleyball.

Sep 29, 2018 10121 Spazio Filatelia Torino Men's world championship Italy - Bulgaria 2018 Volleyball

Sep 30, 2018 10121 Spazio Filatelia Torino Men's world championship Italy - Bulgaria 2018 Volleyball https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL-MyFG1Aoc

Nov 1, 2018 10023 Chieri (TO) La Serie A1 di volley femminile torna a Chieri dopo 3497 giorni The A1 Serie of women's volleyball returns to Chieri after 3497 days. The match from November 1, 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=LuEvX8ejJuM http://www.chieri76.it/

The experience from pallavolo in the women’s competition in Italy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=80&v=EhrYZDgK3mQ

Kyrgyzstan

On July 9, 2018 Kyrgyz Express Post – the second designated postal operator and confirmed by UPU on May 21, 2013 - issued two stamps to commemorate the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia. The two stamps are printed in mini sheets with four stamps each. The stamp with a value of 150 KGS (Kyrgyz Som) has a volleyball player in the background. Issued are 7,000 stamps each, including the quantity of the collective mini sheet (2,000 sheets). A mini sheet with the two stamps and a label in the middle belongs also to this issue. The designer is Vitaliu Pogolșa and the printing factory is “Nova Imprim” in Moldova. PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

The FD Cancel is from Bishkek 729001, the capital and has the official emblem of the Asian Games. Issued are 400 FDC’s. Designer is also Vitaliu Pogolșa.

Kyrgyzstan is participating for the 7th time in these Asian Games since 1994 and has won about fifty medals (including 3 gold) between 1994 and 2014. For these Games, Kyrgyzstan had a large delegation (224 athletes) and won 20 medals (including 2 gold – Ju Jitsu and Athletics women’s 10,000 meter).

Netherlands

From October 19 till 21, 2018 the 20th international philatelic event “Postex” was organized in the indoor sports complex Omnisport in Apeldoorn. In the past the event was organized in the America hall also in Apeldoorn. Besides about 50 stamp dealers, PostNL was also present with a selling point.

Due to the sporting character of the new location, PostNL issued postage stamps – in three M/S with three stamps each - this year showing sports that are frequently practiced in Omnisport, namely indoor athletics, track cycling and volleyball. Each sport is represented by illustrations in different styles. The recognizable exterior of the sports complex is depicted on the sheet margin.

The issue - named exhibition stamps - is not part of the annual issues and are printed in the layout of personalized stamps. This volleyball M/S is number 8 of this year. The issues do not have an official FDC but you could make a private one(s) of course. Another cancel was available during the exhibition. The face value of the stamp is € 0,83, being the postage for letters/cards till 20 gr. within the Netherlands and the selling price of the mini-sheet was € 3,00.

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

Philippines

On April 16, 2018 Philippine Postal Corporation (PHL Post) issued a set of four stamps with labels in a sheet to commemorate the 61st (Filipino for "National Games"). The stamps have boxing (label: ); gymnastics (label: cycling); volleyball (label: football) and basketball (label: ). The face value of the stamps is Pesos 17,00 being the rate up to 25 gr. for mail outside metro Manilla. The selling price is Pesos 150,00. Printed are 1,000 sheets (!!). The FDC was available in all post offices (?? with 1,000 printed sheets) from PHL Post. The FD cancel has volleyball, basketball and football in it. Known are so far and Manilla. Besides this sheet another sheet was issued with blanc labels which could be personalized. But from this issue 4,000 pieces were printed. The selling price was the same. Eunice Beatrix Uy Dabu designed the special issue and printed by Amstar Company, Inc. The National Games - from April 15 till April 21 - is an annual multi-sport event – 21 sports - involving student-athletes from 17 regions of the . The event started in 1948 and is organized and governed by the Department of Education and was held in Province Ilocos Sur. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYKeXUhNJS M https://philnews.ph/2018/04/20/photos- volleyball-secondary-girls-medalists-palarong- pambansa-2018/ https://palarongpambansa.wordpress.com/catego ry/games-result/2018-palarong-pambansa/

Poland

The Poland Association of Meter Stamp Collectors "FRANKOTYP" issued a meter cancel to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Lodz Sports Club (ŁKS) on Nov 23, 2018.

The pictograms are from Barcelona 1992.

PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

The volleyball section of ŁKS was founded in 1929 so almost 90 (!!) years ago.

The club got their “own” stamp on Sep 30, 2008 celebrating their 100th anniversary.

The best known volleyball player of the first period was Maria Kwaśniewska (1913 – 2007), the first Olympic medal winner in the history of the club in javelin throwing (Bronze - Berlin 1936), who also played basketball. During these memorable Olympics, she was also awarded with the title of "Miss Olympic Games".

https://www.lkscommerceconlodz.pl/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRMFiPFIOFw http://www.unless-women.eu/biography-details/items/kwasniewska-maleszewska.html

Romania

On Sep 4, 2018 Poșta Română issued four stamps with paintings from children under the slogan: “Olympic Games in children's imagination”.

The face value of the stamp with a volleyball painting is Lei 5,00 being the rate for non-priority letters/postcards till 50 gr. within Europe. Designer of the stamp is Vlad Vamasescu.

The stamps are printed for: National Company Romanian Post S.A. (CNPR) in 160 sets with 20 stamps each. Total 12,800 stamps. In single stamps (for the small post offices in the country??) 800 pieces (Lei 2,00); 11,200 pieces (Lei 3,00) and 3,200 pieces (Lei 19,00) but not the Lei 5,00 stamp. The First Day Cover is illustrated with the drawing entitled “The Ancient Rome” by author Dretcanu Raluca Ioana from the “Stefan Luchian” arts high school in Botosani. Issued are 310 sets of 2 covers. PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

Romfilatalia in 58 sets with 20 stamps each. Total 4,640 stamps and the FDC’s. In two mini sheets (Lei 2 & Lei 5) with four stamps and labels each and two mini sheets (Lei 3 & Lei 19) with four stamps and tab’s each. Total 4,960 sheets and consequently 19,840 stamps. All above means that 3,200 stamps of Lei 5,00 are printed with volleyball as one of the paintings.

The Lei 5,00 stamp is illustrated with the drawing entitled “Young Hopes”, by Adumitroaie Anna Rocsana from the same “Stefan Luchian” arts high school in Botosani. The work was awarded with Honorable Mention, it belongs to the 11-14 years old category and gives also impressive images of fencing, gymnastics, canoeing. The National Painting, Graphics and Drawing Competition, entitled “The Olympic Games in the Children’s Imagination”, is organized every year by the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee (R.O.S.C.) through the Romanian Olympic Academy (R.O.A.), in partnership with the Ministry of National Education (M.N.E.). The competition, organized in two phases, namely at county and national level, can be found in the calendar of school competitions. Structured on three age categories - 6-10 years old, 11-14 years old and 15-18 years old, the competition is addressed to the school and high school students. http://www.cosr.ro/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD53xdRxMvQ

` On November 27, 2017 Vanuatu Post issued a sheet with fourteen stamps (and a FDC) with i.e. a beach volleyball stamp with a face value of Vatu 20,00 to commemorate the 2017 . The composition of the sheet is a little bit strange with regard to the sequence of the values. Perhaps it is the importance of the sports in Vanuatu. The stamp can only be used on mixed franked covers. The rate for letters till 50 gr. to Near Pacific is Vatu 180,00 and the same letters to USA Vatu 250 and to Europe Vatu 350,00. The stamps are valid for a period of two years. The designer is Lucas Kukler. The print factory is Southern Colour Print, Christchurch, (). Vanuatu hosted 22 Pacific nations in this Games with over 2000 athletes, coaches, VIP officials, referees and umpires, medical practitioners, media personnel and broadcasters from December 4th till 15th 2017. The theme of the Games was “IGNITE THE SPIRIT WITHIN”. PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

The first edition was held in in 1981 and most recently Wallis & Futuna in 2013. Vanuatu hosted the Pacific Mini Games for the second time after 1993.

http://www.van2017.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFt_S-V6Kws https://www.digicelgroup.com/vu/en/mobile.html

Other news

Sri Lanka

Not every day a book with sports & philately is issued but on November 9, 2017, it happened in Colombo. Almost eight years of dedication and determination OCA Vice President Hemasiri Fernando of Sri Lanka published a book that is a truly remarkable addition to the history of the Olympic Council of Asia. “Asian Sports – Through the Eyes of a Philatelist” brings together sports-related postage stamps from the 45 National Olympic Committees.

Argentina 2002.

Eight years after the 15th World Championships for men only thirteen FD cancels** - with mascot Minto - were known from the four stamps issue of Sep. 28, 2002. The cities were: Buenos Aires* - Bahia Blanca - Comodoro Rivadavia - Cordoba* - La Plata - Mar del Plata* - Olivos – Resistercia – Rosario - Salta* - San Juan* - Santa Fé* and Santa Rosa. *=host city. Again eight years later the 14th cancel was found. The city Ituzaingo has also a FD cancel from than. PHILATELIC NEWSLETTER VOLLEYBALL

For me it means that there can be more post offices who used this FD cancel. **) See Book Philatelic postal history of the World Championships 1947 – 2010 from Mauro Gilardi.

Netherlands

Early 2018 a Dutch stamp dealer offered a lot of Dutch personalized stamps from PostNL commemorating all sorts of international events held in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2015. One of them refers to the World Championship beach volleyball which was held in the Netherlands from June 26 and July 5, 2015 in The Hague, Amsterdam, Apeldoorn and Rotterdam. The opening match on June 26 was in The Hague. The trophy on the stamp refers to the logo of this championship.

So far it is a “normal” story, BUT the stamp has a PERSONALIZED CANCEL also. Opening Wereldkampioenschap beachvolleyball 2015 = Opening World Championship beach volleyball 2015. In terms of real philately the item has not any value, of course but I tried to find out who spent so many time to make these stamps and relevant cancels. Unfortunately I did not succeed! Even a mint or used one could not be found.

Moral of this stories: Volleyball philately is always surprising.

Olympic final women Seoul 1988 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJBRkLZLO7U Poland - Road to the gold medal in WCH 2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOIP6NGuVEs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3myE28FDdA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qoACF_rDU4

MY THANKS GO TO: Rini Buitenhuis, John Dehé, (Netherlands) Chan Keikan, (Hong Kong), Mauro Gilardi (Italy) and Krzysztof Siarkiewicz (Poland).

© Volleyphil (Netherlands) December 12, 2018