Olympic Games of Rome, Pro Juventute (for the Youth). No’s 367-371.

Fifty-four years after Italy had to give up hosting the Olympics, Rome finally got its chance. They made the most of their dramatic history, holding the wrestling competition in the Basilica of Maxentius, site of wrestling contests 2,000 years earlier. Among the other ancient sites that were used were the Caracalla Baths (gymnastics) and the Arch of Constantine (finish of the marathon). By winning the silver medal in light-welterweight boxing, Ike Quartey of Ghana became the first black African Olympic medallist. Five days later in the marathon, Abebe Bikila, running barefoot, outlasted Rhadi Ben Abdesselem of Morocco to become the first black African Olympic champion.

Philatelic material

First Day Covers (FDC):

Design & editor: “Editions Rodan Bruxelles”

Note: Blanco or airmail envelopes are not shown here but do exist.

First Day Covers (FDC):

Editor:

Maximum cards of the series made in black and white with FDC cancellation (2-5-60).

The same postcards were used for Ruanda-Urundi series, although I own in both series only the first three, there is no reason to believe that the other two were not made.

Editor: Unimax, Brussels

Size: 10.5 x 14.7 cm.