TWO COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS DEDICATED TO THE VICTORIES IN THE WOMEN’S AND YOUTH AMERICA’S CUP DURING THE 2024 BARCELONA EDITION
The Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy pays tribute to the successes of Luna Rossa
The ceremony for the philatelic cancellation of two commemorative stamps belonging to the thematic series “Excellences of the Production System and Made in Italy” was held today in Rome. The stamps are dedicated to Luna Rossa’s victories in the 2024 Barcelona Youth America’s Cup and Women’s America’s Cup.
The event took place in the Salone degli Arazzi of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, in the presence of Chief of Staff Federico Eichberg; Luca Sciascia, Head of Philately at the State Mint and Printing Institute; Silvia Maria Rovere, Chairwoman of Poste Italiane; Deputy Minister Valentino Valentini and Francesco Ettorre, President of the Italian Sailing Federation.
Representing Luna Rossa were Max Sirena, the team’s CEO, along with a delegation from the women's and youth crews.
«The issuance of these commemorative stamps dedicated to the victories of Luna Rossa’s women’s and youth teams is a tremendous honor», said Max Sirena. «This is an institutional recognition of extraordinary value. In addition to celebrating the sporting achievements of the young women and men who earned two historic victories in Barcelona, it confirms the strength of a long-standing project through which Luna Rossa has been committed to developing and nurturing young Italian sailing talent».
«Being featured on a stamp is an indescribable emotion», said Margherita Porro, co-helmswoman of the women’s crew. «The victory in Barcelona was the result of exceptional teamwork and deep mutual trust. This tribute makes us proud, and I hope it inspires other female athletes to see sailing as both a sporting and professional opportunity».
«Winning the Youth America’s Cup was an immense source of pride, both athletically and personally», added Marco Gradoni, co-helmsman and skipper of the youth crew. «Knowing that this moment will also live on through a stamp is a great honor for me and for all the members of the team who made this extraordinary result possible».
«The stamps dedicated to the victories of Luna Rossa’s women’s and youth teams are not only a well-deserved celebration of sporting success but also a recognition of Italian excellence», said Deputy Minister Valentino Valentini. «In this sport, victory comes from the union of innovation and the tradition of design and craftsmanship that define Made in Italy, combined with the commitment, sacrifice, and passion of the athletes. Celebrating Luna Rossa means celebrating our country and the values that are admired and envied around the world, with sport as an exceptional ambassador. And just as in sports, one must never stop but always push forward with dedication and a desire to win, Made in Italy is not static but constantly evolving in order to remain competitive in global markets».
The issuance of a commemorative stamp is part of the State’s annual Philatelic Program, promoted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy with support from the Advisory Committee for Postal and Philatelic Stamp Issues. Subjects are proposed by organizations, institutions, or associations and are selected by the Ministry based on their historical, cultural, or economic value to the country. Once approved, Poste Italiane handles graphic design and public distribution, while production and printing are managed by the State Mint and Printing Institute. The stamps in the thematic series “Excellences of the Production System and Made in Italy” celebrate entities that embody and elevate the creativity, ingenuity, and quality of Made in Italy worldwide. Being chosen for an official stamp issue is therefore a prestigious honor, underscoring Luna Rossa’s contribution to the nation’s production system.