Various myths suggested the beginnings of the Olympics, but the most widely accepted date for the inception of the Ancient Olympics is 776BC. This is based on inscriptions of the winners of a footrace held every four years starting in 776BC, at Olympia. The first modern Olympics Games was held in Athens, in 1896. Through the years, the participating nations grew. From 241 participants representing 14 nations in 1896, the Games have grown to about 10,500 competitors from 204 countries at the 2008 Summer Olympic, held in Beijing, China.

On 10 May 2012, the traditional Lighting Ceremony took place at the Temple of Hera, home of the Ancient Olympic Games. This marked the beginning of a journey that will beckon the world's finest athletes to compete against one another in one place, namely, London, England, from 27 July to 12 August 2012.

The significance, scale and splendour of the Games truly invokes and inspires in many, passion, determination, dedication and the pursuit of excellence, which together, dutifully described the Olympics motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger).

Showcasing the official mascots in the sports poses, this set of four stamps gave a touch of the sporting action that the athletes will be displaying in the coming games. Popular sports that Singapore will be aiming for success are artfully illustrated by the mascots, buzzing with energy. Table Tennis - 1st Local, Swimming - 65c, Sailing - S$1.10 and Badminton - S$2 are the sports to watch for Singapore.

Acknowledgement: Special thanks to the International Olympic Committee and the Singapore National Olympic Council for the provision of visuals and text reference.