OLYMPICS THROUGH STAMPS By Lester Caevan Lobo Back

OLYMPICS THROUGH STAMPS

The Olympics is an international multi-sport event that brings together the best of the best players from all over the world to represent and win medals for their respective countries. The Olympics was first held in Athens in 1896 and from then on this tradition continues. This year the Olympics was held in Tokyo, Japan. The Olympics this year was indeed a special one because it was conducted during a period when the world at large is battling a pandemic. However, mankind is known to have thrived amidst adversities and so is a sportsperson. Many of the Indian participants at the Olympics have been those who have fought against challenges such as poverty and lack of resources. Nonetheless, India has emerged as a victorious country in the Olympics. 

An important way of charting these victories and battles is Philately. If you closely examine the stamps that we have had over the ages, they have a story to tell. And this time the stamps do tell us stories of the Olympics. Presenting before you my collection of stamps related to the Olympics

OLYMPIC FLAME: 

The Olympic Flame symbolizes continuity between the ancient and modern games. On the opening day of the Games, the torch is taken into the stadium and the chosen torchbearer lights the cauldron. This ritual symbolizes the continuity between ancient times and the new generations.

SUMMER OLYMPICS:

The Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the Olympiad, are a major international multi-sport event normally held once every four years. The Games were first held in 1896 in Athens, Greece, and were most recently the 2020 Summer Olympics held in 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) organizes the Games and oversees the host city's preparations.

WINTER OLYMPICS:

The Winter Olympic Games is a major international multi-sport event held once every four years for sports practiced on snow and ice. The first Winter Olympic Games, the 1924 Winter Olympics, were held in Chamonix, France. The modern Olympic Games were inspired by the ancient Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia, Greece, from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. Baron Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, leading to the first modern Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece in 1896. The IOC is the governing body of the Olympic Movement, with the Olympic Charter defining its structure and authority.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS:

Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities, The Special Olympics World Games is a major event put on by the Special Olympics committee. The World Games alternate between summer and winter games, in two-year cycles, recurring every fourth year. 

Stamp Collection or Philately indeed is a hobby that educates. Anyone who engages in philately, therefore, is well informed about the events of the past and the present.

Article by Lester Caevan Lobo | Kapikad Ward