07.11.2011

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, Latvijas Pasts will hold a special cancellation event for the commemorative envelopes released on the 75^th birthday of the outstanding Latvian chess player, World Chess Champion Mikhail Tal (1936-1992). The event will take place in post office Sakta, 32 Brīvības Boulevard, Riga, from 7:30 AM to 8 PM.

One thousand commemorative envelopes will be released, designed by artist Ģirts Grīva. The envelopes depict the monument of the famous chess player that was erected in Riga, Vērmanes Park, to mark the 65^th birthday of Tal during the celebration of the 800^th anniversary of Riga. The creators of the monument are sculptor Oļegs Skarainis and architects Guntis Sakne and Lelde Šterna. The special cancellation depicts two chess pieces - the knight and the rook.

It will also be possible to purchase the special envelope together with the stamp block Mikhail Tal - World Chess Champion, which was issued by Latvijas Pasts in 2001 to mark the anniversary of the title won by Tal in 1960-1961. The stamps were designed by artist Ludis Danilāns.

Mikhail Tal's talent for chess first manifested itself in early childhood. Tal first learned about chess at the age of seven, when the future World Champion was shown chess moves by his father. At the age of 23, Tal became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion in the 1960 Championship. He was called a genius of attacking and combinations.

The next new philatelic release is planned for November 11.

About VAS Latvijas Pasts

Latvijas Pasts ensures the widest availability of postal services throughout Latvia by maintaining more than 600 post offices. The primary function of the company is provision of the universal postal service; Latvijas Pasts also provides philately, transport and express mail, financial intermediation, payment, press subscription and retail services. Latvijas Pasts is a fully state-owned company with approximately 4600 employees.

Additional information:
Gundega Vārpa,
VAS Latvijas Pasts
Head of the External Communications Department
Phone: +371 67608505
E-mail: gundega.varpa@pasts.lv
www.pasts.lv