The block of stamps Latvian Sports Legends – Andris Andreiko will be available in an edition of 6,000 copies with a nominal value of EUR 5.05 each. It corresponds to the letter correspondence tariff to Group 12 countries in the weight category from 21 to 100 grams. Along with the block of stamps, a special envelope is issued in an edition of 500 copies.

The new philatelic issue was designed by artist Ģirts Grīva, using materials from the collections of Sports Museum for the visual design.

Andris Andreiko was an outstanding checkers player, still considered as one of the best in the world. He was born in 1942 and competed in the 1960s and 1970s. Andris Andreiko became the world champion three times (1968, 1969 and 1972) and won the title of USSR champion several times.

Andris Andreiko developed a sharp, precise style of play that profoundly influenced the evolution of the checkers world. Although he passed away in 1976, his influence on checkers has endured, and his contribution to the development of the game is highly regarded by professionals.

The first-day stamping of the philatelic issue is scheduled for 8 November at Latvian Sports Museum, 9 Alksnāja Street, Riga, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The Latvian Sports Legends stamp series was launched in 2021, with its first philatelic issue dedicated to the legendary javelin thrower Jānis Lūsis. In 2023, a block of stamps was dedicated to Latvian shooting master Kārlis Kļava, followed by last year's release – a block of stamps honouring basketball.

It is not uncommon for Latvijas Pasts to celebrate the achievements of Latvian athletes on its stamps. A stamp block and a special-design envelope dedicated to the accomplishment of athletes Rihards Snikus, Diāna Krūmiņa and Aigars Apinis at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games were released at the end of October.

The new philatelic items will initially be available for purchase at post offices in major cities, as well as in Latvijas Pasts e-store at https://veikals.pasts.lv/.

The next philatelic issue is scheduled for 22 November.

Philatelic issues of Latvijas Pasts are highly appreciated among customers, collectors and experts alike. International philatelic associations evaluate stamps issued by Latvijas Pasts according to strict standards as equivalent to those from the largest countries, and they are regularly included both in the catalogues of globally recognised philatelic products and in the collections of renowned philatelists.