Costa Rica postal service unveils ‘star athlete’ stamp series

Costa Rican stamps will soon feature the faces and figures of celebrated athletes, the country’s postal service announced last week.

The initiative was unveiled with the printing of 60,000 postcards featuring Tico sports stars Hanna Gabriel, Nery Brenes, Andrey Amador and Bryan Ruiz.

Gabriel holds the title of world middleweight boxing champion. Ruiz plays soccer for FC Twente in the Netherlands. Brenes finished in the top ten in the world for the 400 meter dash last year. Amador currently is participating in the Tour de France, he is the first-ever Central American cyclist to compete in the prestigious bike race.

The post office chose to recognize these athletes because they represent hope for the future, according to Álvaro Coghi, the general manager of the postal service.

“I hope that all youth look at their example and what they represent,” Coghi told the daily La Nación.

The “star athlete” series will cost ¢200 ($0.40) for Gabriel and Brenes stamps and ¢330 ($0.66) for Amador and Ruiz stamps. They will be sold at 120 post offices in Costa Rica.