2011 Games of the Small States of Europe stamps by Liechtenstein

The Liechtenstein Post has issued three stamps in honor of 2011 Games of the Small States of Europe held this year in Liechtenstein.

From 30 May to 4 June 2011 the Principality of Liechtenstein is for the second time since 1999 hosting the biennial Games of the Small States and under the slogan "Be part of it" bids sportsmen and -women from the European countries (Andorra, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino and Cyprus) come and participate in an honorable sporting contest. Some 800 men and women athletes are expected at the "LieGames", as the Games are called in the sport-crazed Principality; on five competition days these athletes will contend with one another at 13 venues in nine different sports and 108 events.

The Games of the Small States, held for the first time in San Marino in 1985 and taking place in 2011 for the 14th time, are supported by the European Olympic Committee (EOC).

In a design competition it was laid down that all nine of the sports featuring in the Games of the Small States 2011 should be reflected in the design of this stamp series. This requirement was met best by the Ruggell designer and former top sportsman Rene Michlig: the stamps, printed by photogravure, have been realized appropriately in the metallic colors of the medals awarded at such sporting events: "Bronze" (face value CHF 0.85), "Silver" (face value CHF 1.00) and "Gold" (face value CHF 1.40). The Bronze stamp depicts the competition categories athletics, volleyball and cycling, the Silver stamp shows judo, shooting and squash and the Gold stamp table tennis, tennis and swimming.