The first or 2005 Sportens issue comprised eight stamps, commemorating the sporting heroes of Laernu during the year. Though they were originally trickling out of Norfolk way back in the Dark Ages of 2006 they were made widely available to collectors during 2009. They was possibly as a result of relentless collector pressure. So finally the stamps were printed in sheets of 32, with one variant stamp on each sheet. Some variants were obvious, while others like the Ice Skater were more subtle where he has seemingly taken a little leap into the air on the variant. The issue was enhanced by a free Bonus Bag envelope containing a random selection of other variant stamps that were not included on the regular sheets. Also the covers were decorated with yet more variant stamps. The range of these was quite considerable, with not only design variations, but also what can be termed print variants, which appear to be printing flaws. Here are some examples of both types.

Though printed in 2006, these Sportens were not made widely available to collectors until 2009, when the sheets were released here. Does this mean that there may be an early decoration and a later sales printing, that are distinguishable from the paper or subtle shade variations?
 A special extra bonus for those who got in first to order the stamps was the chance to own a special limited edition large size copper foil printed stamp, an experimental technology that so far has not been repeated. These were limited to 15 in total and each used one of the non-sheet variations. The came in a special mount explaining their origin.

What to look for in the 2005 Sportens?

• The sheet variations
• The non-sheet variations
• The mis-prints (print variations)
• The copper foil giant stamps