ORLANDO, Fla. — Young players from all sports backgrounds celebrated on May 27 when four team sports–basketball, football, soccer, and baseball–featured on new U.S. postage stamps honoring youth team sports were issued by the U.S. Postal Service. The 11:00 AM dedication was held in conjunction with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Tournaments at Disney's Wide World of Sports™ in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The 20-stamp pane of Youth Team Sports stamps are now available at Orlando-area post offices, and at post offices nationwide beginning May 28. "We hope everyone who sees the Youth Team Sports stamp will be encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle, promote positive social interaction, and provide opportunities for children everywhere to learn about teamwork and cooperation," said S. David Fineman, presidentially appointed Postal Service Governor, who dedicated the stamps.

Joining Fineman at the ceremony were Bobby Dodd, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Amateur Athletic Union; Reggie Williams, Vice President of Disney's Sports and Recreation and former NFL Cincinnati Bengal star linebacker; and Viki Brennan, Central Florida District Manager, USPS. Honored guests at the event included Women's Professional Softball League head coaches Linda Derk (Tampa Bay FireStix), and Cindy Bristow (Florida Wahoos); Major League Soccer player (Tampa Bay Mutiny) and former U.S. National team member, Alan Prampin; and Women's NBA Orlando Miracle team members Adrienne Johnson and Jannon Roland.

"We are delighted to be part of this dedication ceremony," said Dodd. "Every time you pick up an envelope and view these stamps, you'll be reminded of the opportunities available through healthy competition in amateur youth sports."

"As the world's premier destination for amateur sports, Disney's Wide World of Sports celebrates the goals and accomplishments of young athletes everyday," said Williams. "We are proud to be a part of the dedication of a U.S. postage stamp that honors that spirit."

More than 3,000 players and coaches are participating in AAU events throughout the weekend. The AAU is one of the largest, nonprofit, volunteer sports organizations in the United States, dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs for all ages. Youth team sports encourage a healthy lifestyle, promote socialization and provide opportunities for children to learn cooperation and teamwork.

Designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, D.C., the 20-stamp pane features photographs of children participating in four different youth team sports, including basketball, football, soccer and baseball, all of which are popular with American children between the ages of 6 and 17.

The photographs were chosen to convey the action and excitement of team play. Willam Sallaz's photo depicts the athleticism of basketball; Mike Powell's photo portrays a football player running with the ball; Zoran Milich's photo features two soccer players competing for possession of the ball; and Bob Wickley's photo captures a baseball pitch in mid-flight.