Synchronized skating - Radiant stamp for four-times world champions 2014

The presented discipline in January's sports-related stamp does not need any justification. The subject for the stamp is synchronized skating, in which Finland represents the world's brightest light. The stamp depicts Helsingin Luistelijat ry's Marigold IceUnity synchronized skating team, which won its fourth world championship in April 2014.

The Synchronized skating stamps were designed by Ari Lakaniemi andSusanna Rumpu, who are well known for their other award-winning stamp designs. The stamp is based on Olli-Pekka Juhola's picture which was taken in competition, and which features a group of four skaters from a 16-person team. The stamp features the skaters Anni Holopainen, Ida Hellström, Tiia Aromäki and Salla Laukkanen.

The elegant sheet is printed on a glossy foil paper with a silvery ice crystal pattern added in gloss paint.

This year in Finland synchronized skating will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. The sport was brought to Finland from the United States by Mrs Jane Erkko. Currently in Finland there are 153 synchronized skating teams, with close to 2,800 skaters. This spring, Finland's synchronized skaters will be particularly excited to find out if the International Olympic Committee will include the sport in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in South Korea.

Thank you Ella for this lovely First Day Cover.