This official Ersttagsblatt (8/1989) features a semi-postal series issued by the Deutsche Bundespost on February 9, 1989. Surcharges from these stamps benefit the Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe, an organization under the patronage of the Federal President that supports social tasks and athletes in all sports.
The stamps, designed by Professor Hans Peter Hoch, highlight major sporting events and associations:
Tischtennis (100+50 Pf): Celebrates table tennis, which had recently debuted as an Olympic sport in Seoul in 1988. This issue also recognizes the 40th World Table Tennis Championships held in Dortmund from March 29 to April 10, 1989.
Kunstturnen (140+60 Pf): Honors artistic gymnastics and the Deutscher Turner-Bund (DTB). At the time of issue, the DTB was the second-largest association within the German Sports Confederation, with approximately 3.7 million members.
