25 March sees Åland Post’s issue of the world’s first stamp featuring disc golf designed by Finnish illustrator Sanna Mander. The disc golf course in Mariehamn will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2022, and the stamp is a tribute to the happy 1980s and the jubilant course. Today, Åland has the highest density of disc golf courses in the world, and an ambition of turning the island realm into the world’s largest disc golf park.

One of the oldest active courses in Europe is the 9-hole disc golf course in Badhusparken in Mariehamn, which in 2022 celebrates its 40th anniversary. The stamp is a tribute to the happy 1980s and the jubilant course, showing the fifth disc golf basket on the Badhusberget in Mariehamn, overlooking the entrance to the western harbour.

Illustrator Sanna Mander has previously illustrated stamps for Posti Finland and now makes her debut for Åland Post. She explains her thoughts about the design of the motif:

“My style is based on colours and shapes in composition – I don’t draw realistically. I move the elements around, trying to find an exciting dynamic to the image. I was reminiscing my wonderful childhood summers in Åland when I drew the stamp. I hope it will inspire you to go out for a round of disc golf!”

Disc golf is the fastest growing sport in Finland, and the commitment to turn Åland into the world’s greatest disc golf park was initiated by Mats Adamczak, Chair of Åland Business Association:

“I was charged with developing new concepts that would encourage “staycation” and give new holidaymakers reasons to visit Åland as tourists. On 25 July 2020, we inaugurated 11 courses in 7 hours. Since last year, over 120 000 rounds of disc golf with some 6 million throws have been played in Åland.”

Order the stamp and first day cover at webshop.alandpost.com, by post to Åland Post Stamps, P.O. box 1100, AX-22111 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland, e-mail stamps(a)alandpost.com or telephone: +358 18636641.