Latvian Post to honor basketball legend Uljana Semjonova with stamp sheet

Latvian postal company Latvijas Pasts will issue a stamp sheet honoring basketball legend Uljana Semjonova, LSM reports. The issue will be released on September 22 as part of the Latvian Sports Legends series, following the September premiere of a feature film about her, titled Ula.

Semjonova’s career included major international achievements and medals at the Olympic Games and world and European championships. For many years, she was a key player for TTT Riga, which won the European championship 18 times. The achievement is also recorded in the Guinness World Records book.

Her talent and perseverance contributed significantly to the development and popularity of women’s basketball worldwide, making her a symbol of Latvian sport and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

After ending her active career, Semjonova became vice-president of the Latvian Olympic Committee. Later, the committee’s social fund became her main focus. As its president, she worked to improve the welfare of former athletes, providing practical assistance and helping combat loneliness among older people.

“Uljana Semjonova’s name requires no explanation in the world of sport. Yet behind the titles and world records she achieved over a lifetime stood remarkable strength of character, humanity and a sense of responsibility for her team and, later, for her fellow people. This stamp is our tribute to a legend,” said Ģirts Rudzītis, chairman of the Latvijas Pasts board.

The first-day cancellation of the philatelic issue will take place on September 22 at the Latvian Sports Museum, Alksnāja Street 9, Riga, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The presentation of the new issue will be held at the museum at noon.

The presentation will include information about the creation of the stamp sheet and Semjonova’s achievements and importance in Latvian sports history.

The stamp sheet will have a print run of 4,000 copies, while a specially designed envelope will have a print run of 500. The stamp sheet has a face value of 4.41 euros and was designed by Jānis Klaučs.

The stamp sheet and envelope will be available in the Latvijas Pasts online shop and at major city customer centres and service points.