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August 14, 2021
Badminton Anyone? U.S. Postal Service launches New Commemorative Forever Stamps Featuring Popular Backyard Games.
Photos: As temperatures continue rising across the USA, with these 16 Forever stamps, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates the variety of games Americans play to relax and enjoy the sunshine for outdoor recreation.
ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 14, 2021 — The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the outdoor recreational games that Americans play with vibrant new stamps during a dedication ceremony at the opening of the Great American Stamp Show 2021 held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.
The pane of 16 stamps features eight designs illustrating eight backyard games — badminton, bocce, cornhole, croquet, flying disc, horseshoes, tetherball, and pickup baseball.
“It’s an honor to represent the United States Postal Service as we dedicate the Backyard Games Forever stamps at the Great American Stamp Show,” said Judy de Torok, the Postal Service’s corporate affairs vice president. “Stamp collecting has become a great American tradition, just as the backyard games we’re celebrating today have become great American traditions.”
Joining de Torok at the dedication ceremony were Scott D. English, executive director, American Philatelic Society; William J. Gicker, director, Stamp Services, U.S. Postal Service; Alex P. Gara, president, American Bocce Co. LLC; Thomas Chen, Midwest Badminton Club; and Greg Breeding, art director, U.S. Postal Service.
With this pane of 16 Forever stamps, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates the variety of games Americans play for outdoor recreation.
As temperatures warm up, Americans head outside to relax and enjoy the sunshine. But, with a touch of strategy, a bit of luck, and a healthy dose of friendly competition, backyard games provide almost endless amusement. At the beach, in a public park, or your backyard, these games are an excellent way for children and adults to have fun while enjoying the company of friends and family.
• Badminton. A royal country estate in England gives the name to the sport of Badminton. Somebody first played it here. Badminton is a popular form of backyard recreation. Much like tennis, either two or four players can play it. Each player uses a lightweight racket to hit a shuttlecock (also known as a birdie or bird) over a 5-foot net to the opposing side. The game continues as players volley the shuttlecock back and forth, not letting it hit the ground.
• Bocce. Originating in Italy, bocce is now widely played across the United States. However, this sport takes a bit of finesse to perfect. Two players, or multiple players divided into two teams, begin a game by first throwing a small ball known as the jack from one end of the playing area to the other. Players then take turns throwing their large balls — typically made of clay, wood, or plastic — toward the jack, attempting to land their balls as close to the jack as possible. The rousing game of bocce can last just a few rounds or for hours, depending on the players’ skill and their variations on scoring.
• Cornhole. Cornhole (also known as sacks, beanbag toss, or sack toss) has become increasingly popular, likely because of its simple rules and ease of play. Players take turns tossing soft, square bags — filled with dried corn, plastic pellets, or beans — onto wooden boards that are raised slightly off the ground on one end. The goal is to get the bags through a small hole on one side of the board, scoring based on how closely the bags get to the spot. It is a fun, recreational game. Teams or singles can play it.
• Croquet. Croquet is a popular garden party game. Nine wickets, hoops, and two stakes pressed into the ground in a double diamond formation create the gameplay area. Many variations on the game exist, but standard play consists of two or four people, each with their wooden mallet and four balls. Players hit the balls with their mallets, advancing them through the course — created by the wickets and stakes — in the correct order.
• Tossing. Tossing a flying disc can be as simple as playing catch or as involved as a spirited team game called “ultimate.” With the flick of a wrist, a hard plastic, the aerodynamic disc can sail through the air, flying straight or veering at an angle, depending on the thrower’s aim and release. Disc golf is also a popular game using flying discs and has rules like golf — without the ball and clubs, adding a new dimension to the art of throwing a disc just right.
• Horseshoes. The game of horseshoes is traditionally played with heavy metal horseshoes; however, lighter plastic ones have also become common. Two stakes in the ground mark the game area. Players pitch horseshoes at one of the stakes to get the shoe to encircle the stake — what’s known as a ringer. Scoring is based on how closely the shoes of a particular player land to the stake. Much like cornhole, practice with the swing and release of the shoe, getting comfortable with the weight and the distance, makes landing the perfect shot much more effortless.
• Tetherball. Often played in public parks and on playgrounds, tetherball is a fun, fast-paced game children and adults enjoy. Tetherball consists of a semi-soft ball fastened to a rope attached to the top of a pole. Two players take turns hitting the ball, attempting to wrap the string entirely around the bar. The ball can move either clockwise or counterclockwise, keeping players on their toes as they try to win.
• Pickup Baseball. Many versions of pickup games of baseball are played in the United States. One common variation consists of using a lightweight plastic ball and bat, making throwing and hitting the ball easier. The rules are like those of baseball or softball, but an official diamond isn’t necessary. Instead, if players know where the bases are, all that’s needed is an open area and an excited team.
Source: U.S. Postal Service
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:40 AM | Link to this Post
