Latvian Post to release special stamp honoring basketball legend Uļjana Semjonova
Latvia's postal service will issue a commemorative stamp sheet dedicated to basketball legend Uļjana Semjonova starting September 22, coinciding with the premiere of a feature film about her life.
State postal operator "Latvijas Pasts" will honor Uļjana Semjonova, one of Latvia's most celebrated athletes and a global basketball legend, with a dedicated stamp sheet. The new philatelic release, part of the "Latvian Sports Legends" series, will become available from September 22 — timed to coincide with the cinema premiere of "Uļa," a feature film about the athlete's life.
Throughout her career, Semjonova achieved major international success, including medals at the Olympic Games and world and European championships. For many years she was a cornerstone of the "TTT Riga" club team, which won the European champion club title 18 times — an achievement recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Through her talent and determination, she made a significant contribution to the growth of women's basketball worldwide, becoming a symbol of Latvian sport and earning induction into basketball halls of fame.
Life after her playing career
After retiring from active competition, Semjonova served as vice president of the Latvian Olympic Committee (LOC). Later, she headed the LOC's social fund, where she focused on supporting the wellbeing of former athletes and easing loneliness among seniors.
"Latvijas Pasts" board chairman Ģirts Rudzītis said that behind Semjonova's titles and world records there has always stood remarkable strength of character, humanity, and a sense of responsibility toward her team and, later, fellow people, adding that the stamp is a tribute to the legend.
A first-day cancellation event will take place on September 22 from 10:00 to 15:00 at the Latvian Sports Museum on Alksnāja Street in Riga, with a presentation of the new release at 12:00 offering a behind-the-scenes look at its creation and Semjonova's significance in Latvian sports history.
The stamp sheet will be issued in a print run of 4,000 copies, while a specially designed envelope will be limited to 500 copies. The sheet has a face value of 4.41 euros, with design by Jānis Klaučs. Both items will be available through the "Latvijas Pasts" online store and major customer service centers.
