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New York Man On Irish Stamp
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That's not an Irishman on the 57-cent stamp Ireland issued recently to commemorate the Special Olympics (right - click for a larger view). It's a New York State resident: Ezra Canty of Troy.In celebration of the 11th Special Olympics World Summer Games, which are being held in Ireland June 16-29, An Post issued a set of 4 commemorative stamps on May 20th.
The stamps, featuring athletes, comprise black and white photographs with a single element in each highlighted in color, designed to draw in the eye and illuminate the overall image. The designs are by Irish International.
The other three stamps are shown below.
Canty, 31, has won medals in multiple events, including gold, silver and bronze track and field medals in the 1999 World Games. He began competing in 1990.
"I will be honored to be on the stamp. All my friends can look at it," Canty said.
Thirty-four athletes and coaches from New York state will take part in the 2003 World Games. Canty, however, is not among the competitors this year.
Also available from An Post is a "Presentation Pack" containing a strip of 4 stamps enclosed in a colorful and informative folder, and a limited number of coins specially minted to commemorate the Special Olympics. Orders are strictly limited to one set per customer and only available through the Philatelic Bureau.
