Issue date: 14 Jun, 2018
ANNIVERSARIES. SPANISH ROYAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY
Thanks to the efforts of Conrado Durántez, the first Spanish Olympic Academy was established on 25 November 1968 in Madrid in the image of the International Olympic Academy that had been founded seven years earlier in Olympia (Greece). There are currently 146 such official academies operating worldwide that, together with the one in Olympia, aim to spread and advocate for the philosophical values of the Olympic movement as conceived by the renovator of the modern Games, French educator Pierre de Coubertin.
The Spanish Olympic Academy, a pioneer in its field, has been the example followed by a great many National Olympic Academies in other countries. This leadership was the spark behind the founding of the Pan-Iberian Association of Olympic Academies (APAO) in 1988, with sole recognition from the International Olympic Committee (ICO), and which includes 26 academies in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries in Europe, America and Africa.
It has been organising a large number of Olympic educational activities since its beginnings. These include the annual session, regularly attended by top-rate speakers, and after which the Spanish representatives to the next session of the International Olympic Academy are chosen.
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the Honorary President of the Spanish Olympic Academy King Felipe VI kindly bestowed it the title of “Royal”, affirming the Spanish monarchy’s historical commitment to the Olympic movement and its Academy, and making it the first in the world to hold such a title.
The Spanish Royal Olympic Academy has also contributed to the founding of several institutions to study and promote the Olympic movement, such as the Olympic studies centres (48 across Spain and mainly linked to universities), the Spanish Pierre de Coubertin Committee and the Spanish Olympic Philately Union (UEFO). Its activities over the past decade include promoting postal issues like the 2016 stamp dedicated to Pierre de Coubertin in the framework of the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal (UPAEP).
This new stamp is now being issued on this very special occasion (the golden anniversary of this great institution) to continue adding value to Olympic Philately.
The stamp features the 50th anniversary logo with the Royal Academy’s coat of arms and a simple and colourful illustration that perfectly captures the effort and perseverance that Olympic sport represents.
Correos is a strong supporter of sport, and is issuing this new stamp in praise of the Olympic movement and all its values that we share.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.