SECRETARY-GENERAL MARKS LAUNCHING OF UNITED NATIONS 'SPORT AND ENVIRONMENT' STAMPS
Press Release
SG/SM/6023
SECRETARY-GENERAL MARKS LAUNCHING OF UNITED NATIONS 'SPORT AND ENVIRONMENT' STAMPS
19960719 Following is the text of the message by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali to mark the launching of the United Nations "sport and the environment" stamps. It was delivered yesterday in Atlanta by Joe Sills, Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Washington, D.C.:I am delighted to send you my best wishes on the eve of the opening of the games of the twenty-sixth Olympiad.
Today, we celebrate human endeavour, the coming together of nations and the triumph of the Olympic spirit. These games provide more than an opportunity for individual athletes to take part, to compete and to excel -- they serve to remind the world of the enduring relevance and appeal of the Olympic ideal.
Today's launch of United Nations stamps takes as its theme the positive impact that sport can have on our environment. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has worked hard to ensure that environmental concerns remain at the top of the international agenda. At the local level, the IOC has cooperated with public and private organizations and agencies to ensure that, wherever possible, the environment is protected and enhanced.
Over the past decade, the IOC has widened its concern for environmental issues and increased environmental awareness among the world-wide Olympic community. I am personally very grateful to the IOC for its positive response to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and for urging National Olympic Committees to sign the Earth Pledge.
The United Nations stamps, which are being launched here today, provide a timely and appropriate celebration of the Olympic spirit. They will be seen around the world and will be appreciated by countless thousands.
I would like to say a very personal thank you to the artist, Leroy Neiman, for his beautiful and striking designs. Your work is an important contribution towards strengthening the already close ties which exist between the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee. Thank you.
- 2 - Press Release SG/SM/6023 19 July 1996
I would also like to welcome Annabelle Wiener, Deputy Secretary-General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA). Her philatelic programme has heightened awareness of United Nations stamps around the world. And the United Nations is very grateful to Nina Kung Wang for designing the WFUNA first day covers on display here today.
Please join me in unveiling the stamps and cancelling them for the first day of these centennial games.
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