Isle of Man Post Office Sponsorship Committee donated 20 Mark Cavendish stamp and coin packs for this year's Special Olympic World Games which were held from 24 July until 2 August in Los Angeles.
The Committee were approached by Special Olympics Isle of Man sports director Adrian Mooney who accompanied cyclist Christopher Hattersley to the Games, where Christopher competed in three cycle events - the 10 kilometre time trial, 15 kilometre road race and 25 kilometre road race. Christopher took the Mark Cavendish stamp and coin packs provided by the Post Office with him to the Games which he then shared with other athletes from across the world.
The Games were officially opened on July 25 by First Lady Michelle Obama and welcomed a total 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and 500,000 spectators. The 2015 Los Angeles Games are the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world this year.
Special Olympics Isle of Man Sports director and cycling coach, Adrian Mooney said: "We were delighted with the Post Offices generous sponsorship. The Mark Cavendish stamp and coin pack was a great talking point for Christopher amongst his fellow athletes who he met during the Games and particularly amongst the athletes from the 57 different nations that were taking part in the cycling events at the Games."
Mr Mooney continues: "It was also a great way for competitors from the other countries to learn about the Isle of Man and it was a real ice breaker for Christopher to make friends with many of the athletes from the other competing countries at the 2015 Games."
Sarah Read, chairman of Isle of Man Post Office Sponsorship Committee said: "We were of course very pleased to support Christopher as he represented the Island in the biggest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world this year. Christopher is a fantastic ambassador for the Isle of Man and the excellent rich sporting heritage represented in the Cavendish stamp and coin pack."
The Isle of Man team displayed excellent results at this year's Games. In total it won 22 medals - three gold, eight silver and 11 bronze. Gold medals were won by: Paul Clucas for the men's floor competition, Nicola Woodridge for the women's bocce singles and the men's football team after they beat Slovenia 1-0 in the final.
The Sponsorship Committee aims to support a variety of local initiatives throughout the year and is always keen to hear from individuals and organisations looking for support which it may be able to help with.
Pictured (Left to Right) is cyclist Walter Scharlaeken of Belgium being presented with a Mark Cavendish stamp and coin pack by Christopher Hattersley. Walter's participation in the LA Games was cut short during the 25 km road race when he was involved in a crash. Christopher and the Isle of Man team felt as a sporting gesture that Walter deserved to take home one of the stamp and coin packs. He is a very big fan of Mark Cavendish, who rides for Belgian based team Etixx-Quick Step
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