Special Stamp Issue – "Beijing 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events"

Mint Stamp

A special set of stamps on the theme of "Beijing 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events" will be issued on 9 August 2008 (Saturday).

To celebrate the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (Games of the XXIX Olympiad) being held in August 2008 and Hong Kong's very special honour of co-hosting the equestrian events, a set of commemorative stamps is issued by Hongkong Post to mark this glorious milestone in the sports achievement of our city.

Developed over a long history, Equestrian is an elegant yet competitive sport that emphasises unique understanding and perfect partnership between the rider and the horse. It was officially included in the Olympic Games in 1900. Equestrian is one of the very few sports in which men and women compete on equal terms in the same event. Three equestrian disciplines, namely Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, in addition to a victory scene are displayed on this set of stamps.

$1.40 – Jumping: Soaring Leaps
Jumping requires the horse to jump and clear a series of obstacles, aiming for minimum penalties incurred and completion within a set time. To enable optimal balance and minimum resistance at take-off, the rider often adopts a forward posture parallel to the back of the horse, resulting in a confident jump over the fence.

$2.40 – Dressage: Graceful Steps
Often described as horses performing ballet, Dressage requires the horse to execute both set movements and freestyle to music in perfect harmony with its rider. Marks are awarded by a panel of judges based on the precision and elegance of the movements.

$3 – Eventing: Ultimate Challenge
Eventing integrates Jumping, Dressage and Cross-Country into one competition, with the winners decided on minimum total penalties. The cross-country phase requires the horse to complete a set course within a set time, clearing a series of obstacles on the way.

$5 – Victory: Heartfelt Cheers
Victory in the Olympics is always a moment worthy of a shower of colourful streamers and a wave of warm applause as it is the result of dedicated effort, tireless training and excellent performance in the competition.

Sales Arrangements

Information about the sale of philatelic products associated with this set of stamps starting from 9 August 2008 is as follows:

Remarks:

1. The above philatelic products are not included in the 2008 Local Standing Order Service. Order form had already been issued to "2008 Local Standing Order Service" customers. For local customers, please contact Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau Hotline for enquiry at 2785 5711 or fax to 2191 9296.
2. For overseas customers, please ensure there is sufficient balance in your account to pay your advance order. Otherwise, your order will be processed only when the stock is still available after all orders have been fulfilled. For any enquiries, please contact Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau (Overseas Mail Order Service Unit) Hotline at 852-2928 7211 or fax to 852-2850 6552.

Two limited edition products, namely Prestige Crystal Blocks Gift Set and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Limited Edition Prestige Stamp Album, will also be put on sale at 37 philatelic offices with limited stock available for sale. The Prestige Crystal Blocks Gift Set contains a souvenir sheet and a set of 4 Austrian crystal blocks with 3-D illustration of the image depicted on the 4 mint stamps. It is a very prestige gift set on this memorable occasion. The Limited Edition Prestige Stamp Album is another meaningful collection of Hong Kong philatelic items about the 2008 Olympic Games starting from Beijing’s successful bidding, the torch relay, to the staging of the Olympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong. This Album is issued in a limited edition of 6,000 copies with a Certificate.

Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be put on sale at all post offices (except mobile post offices) as from 26 July 2008. This set of stamps and the associated philatelic products will be displayed at General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Shatin Central Post Office from the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from 26 July to 1 August 2008.

Hand-back Datestamping Arrangements

A hand-back datestamping service will be provided on 9 August 2008 at all post offices (except mobile post offices) during normal operating hours on Saturday, for official and privately-made covers, bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. A special postmark will also be introduced. This will be available, together with the "GPO-1" postmark, the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmark, for hand-back datestamping service at all philatelic offices on that day.

Also on 9 August 2008, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau on 1/F., Trade Square, 681 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, will open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for datestamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark, the "GPO-1" postmark and the special postmark.

Stamp Printing Details

Souvenir Sheet	Special Postmark
Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a set of Mint Stamps	Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a Souvenir Sheet
Presentation Pack (Cover and Inside Design)	Postage Prepaid Picture Cards (Air Mail)
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Limited Edition Prestige Stamp Album (Cover and Inside Design)	Prestige Crystal Blocks Gift Set