St Vincent Grenadines stamps 1988 Summer Olympic games Seoul 

In 1988, St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a set of postage stamps to commemorate the 1988 Summer Olympic Games held in Seoul, South Korea. Here are the key details:

The Set:

• It consisted of 8 stamps in denominations of 10c, 20c, 35c, 60c, 75c, $1, $2, and $3.50.
• The stamps were issued in se-tenant strips (designs side-by-side).

Stamp Designs:

• Each stamp featured a color illustration depicting a different Olympic sport.
• The sports represented included track and field, boxing, gymnastics, swimming, weightlifting, equestrian, cycling, and soccer.
• The designs showed athletes in action poses with the Olympic rings prominently featured.
• Inscriptions included “Olympic Games Seoul 1988” and the name of the sport.

Souvenir Sheet:

• In addition to the stamps, a souvenir sheet was also issued containing all 8 stamp designs.
• The sheet had an all-over illustration of the Seoul Olympic Stadium in the background.

Significance:

• As a member of the Commonwealth, it was typical for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to issue topical stamps for each Olympic Games.
• The vibrant stamp designs celebrated the various Olympic sporting disciplines.
• The issue appealed to sports topicalists and Olympic games collectors worldwide.
• It allowed this small island nation to commemorate the 1988 Seoul Olympiad through colorful philatelic releases.

The 1988 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Games stamps captured the excitement and global spirit of the Seoul Olympics through vivid sport imagery. They remain a popular topical issue for Olympics collectors and enthusiasts.

The Seoul Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were held in Seoul, South Korea, from September 17 to October 2, 1988. It was a significant event in the history of South Korea, marking the first time the country had hosted the Olympic Games.

The Games saw several memorable sporting moments, including Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson’s world record-breaking run in the 100 meters, which was later overshadowed by his disqualification due to doping. Other notable performances included American diver Greg Louganis winning two gold medals despite hitting his head on the springboard during one of his dives. The Seoul Olympics were also significant for their role in diplomatic relations. North Korea, along with Cuba, Ethiopia, and Nicaragua, boycotted the Games. However, South Korea’s hosting of the event and its diplomatic efforts helped pave the way for improved relations with several countries, including China and the Soviet Union.