Football Championship Swarovski Crystal - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 2008

When the kick-off for the UEFA EURO 2008 ™, the largest sports event ever taking place in Austria, takes place on 7 June 2008, the 16 participating football teams ultimately have only one goal - to become European football champions! The winning team will be presented with the coveted Henri Delaunay Cup (named after the former UEFA General Secretary) in Vienna after the final on 29 June 2008. The precious sterling silver trophy has a weight of 8 kg and measures 60 cm, on the back are engraved the names of the European champions. Almost as valuable as the UEFA Cup itself is the new special stamp block, which marks the crowning philatelic conclusion of thematic football brands this year. The brand image shows the trophy on a blue background, adorned by four very large original Swarovski crystals. The cooperation with the company Swarovski, based in Wattens in Tyrol, worldwide market leader in the production of synthetically manufactured glass jewelery stones, has been highly successful since the publication of the now legendary "Crystal Worlds" brand block from the year 2004. The application of the gems on the current special stamp again required the highest precision. In a week-long elaborate production process, the stamp was refined in a very special way. One thing is certain: this issue is not only a highlight in every album, it is certainly another milestone of modern philately and a guarantor for the international reputation of Austrian stamps. As part of the so-called "EURO Experience Tour", the original UEFA Cup can be visited in 13 cities of the two host countries Austria and Switzerland. The final stop will be the final city of Vienna, where the trophy will be on display from June 5, 2008 to the final on June 29, 2008 in the world's largest inflatable tour tent construction.