Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued four new postage stamps in the denominations of Rs. 5.00, Rs. 15.00, Rs. 25.00, Rs. 75.00 on 23th July, 2012 to commemorate the 30th Olympic Games, London 2012. The 30th celebration of the Olympic Games is scheduled to be held in London from 27th July to 12th August 2012. Following tradition Sri Lanka will participate in these Games with a contingent of 12 persons (2 Track and Field Athletes, 2 Badminton Players, 2 Swimmers, 1 Shooter and 5 Officials).
The Modern Olympic Games held every four years, are the world’s greatest festival of sporting competition. First held in 1896 they were inspired by ancient Greek Olympics which lasted for thousand years. Thousands of Athletes representing most countries in the world assemble in a selected city to compete in more than 20 different sports. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a French nobleman in credited with the revival of these Games. In 1894 he founded the international Olympic Committee which has now become the governing body of the “Olympic Movement” a broad based social movement which through the activity of sports would enhance human development and make the world a better place.
Sri Lanka became a member of this movement in 1937 and the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka will be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee later this year. Sri Lanka’s participation in the Olympic Games commenced with the 1948 Olympic Games held in London. It was a dream debut at the Olympic Games for Sri Lanka as Duncan white won a Silver medal in the 400m. Hurdles event. Our perseverance in participation in all the games since 1948, excepting in the 1976 games in Montreal paid dividends when Susanthika Jayasinghe won a Silver medal in the 200m event for women.
The Olympic Games are held in London for the 3rd time in 2012. Earlier they were held in 1908 & 1948. The games this year promises to be the best ever games held so far. Much planning and effort has gone in to the building of new facilities for sports and accommodation for the athletes. There will be competitions in 26 sports and more than 10,000 athletes form 204 countries will be participating.