New stamps round out the set of CFL commemorative stamps
OTTAWA, June 19, 2014 /CNW/ - With less than a month until the much-anticipated return of Ottawa to the Canadian Football League* (CFL®), Canada Post is issuing two Ottawa REDBLACKS™ Permanent™ domestic rate stamps. The stamps add to the CFL commemorative issues initiated in 2012, which pay tribute to the legendary stories and players that make up the history of the CFL and celebrate the league's exciting future.
Canadian-born quarterback and legendary Ottawa Rough Rider Russ Jackson is featured on one stamp against the background of Ottawa's new stadium; this is a nod to both the history and future of football in the nation's capital. Mr. Jackson spent his entire 12-year professional football career with the Ottawa team and quarterbacked the Rough Riders to three Grey Cup victories. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Order of Canada, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. The second stamp features the REDBLACKS logo – a saw blade-notched "R" in front of a circular saw that represents Ottawa's early lumber heritage.
"With over 100 years of history, the CFL has a storied past and reflects the culture, enthusiasm and spirit of Canadians," says the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport and responsible for Canada Post. "These stamps build a bridge between Ottawa's football history and future."
"We are proud to play a part in Ottawa's return to the CFL and complete the special issues by representing all nine cities and teams," says Deepak Chopra, President and CEO, Canada Post. "The determination and dedication of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group and their fans bodes well for them to create their own legacy."
"The return of CFL football to our nation's capital is an historic moment for our league," said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. "Capturing its significance through commemorative stamps is an honour and another indication that the dream of returning CFL football to Ottawa is a reality. Like millions of Canadians from coast to coast, we can't wait to see the REDBLACKS take the field in front of their home crowd for the very first time on July 18."
'It's a tremendous honour for the REDBLACKS and Ottawa CFL fans to be recognized with these stamps,' said Roger Greenberg, Chairman of the REDBLACKS parent company, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. 'To see a picture of Russ Jackson in his prime with our new stadium in the background is a testament to our team's storied past and promising future. It's a wonderful tribute.'
In addition to the stamps being on sale at post offices across Canada, the stamps and an Official First Day Cover may be ordered online at canadapost.ca/REDBLACKS.
About the stamps
The two Permanent™ stamps were designed by Bensimon Byrne, the official advertising agency for the CFL. The stamp featuring Russ Jackson and the new TD Place stadium, printed by Canadian Bank Note Company Limited, is available in booklets of 10 and the stamp featuring the new team logo, printed by Lowe-Martin Group, is available in coils of 50. Both stamps are printed on Tullis Russell paper and have simulated perforations. The Official First Day Cover will be cancelled in Ottawa, Ontario.
Permanent™ stamps is a trademark of Canada Post Corporation
™ Trademark of the Ottawa REDBLACKS Football Club
* Trademark of the Canadian Football League
® Registered trademark of the Canadian Football League
SOURCE: Canada Post
Media Relations, 613-734-8888, [email protected]; Barre Campbell, Manager, media relations, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, 613-232-6767, ext. 8252, [email protected]
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