For broadcast on CBS Radio Network stations 
September 16-17, 2000:


Missing the Olympics.


The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.
 
The Summer Olympics are in full swing in Australia...so 
where are the U-S stamps celebrating the games?


In past years, the U-S would issue several colorful stamps 
for both the summer and winter games -- Olympics stamps are 
big sellers among collectors.


And in 1992, the U-S Postal Service even SPONSORED the 
Olympics.


But then in 1996, United Parcel Service outbid the Postal 
People to be a sponsor, and things got ugly.  Not only was 
the Postal Service told it couldn't deliver mail in uniform 
within the Olympic Village, it was told it couldn't use the 
familiar five rings symbol or even the word "Olympics" on
its stamps. The International Olympic Committee considers 
those its property.


The U-S issued a set of 20 stamps anyway, and produced 
t-shirts showing the stamp designs. The Olympics authorities 
sued.


So, this year, the U-S issued a "Summer Sports" stamp in May.  
It shows track-and-field runners' legs. No rings. No O-word.


No hassles.


And that's stamp collecting this week. 

I'm Lloyd de Vries, CBS News.


----------------------------------------------------------
Go to Previous Report
Go to Next Report 

Go to Report Index
 
Return to Virtual Stamp Club Home Page