Postal Service Honors World’s Strongest Man

Former Strongman Captures His Own Commemorative Envelope

CHARLESTON, WV — Phil Pfister has pulled a 600,000 pound riverboat and a 727 aircraft, but it’ll be West Virginians pulling for Pfister when he competes in the 2008 World’s Strongest Man Competition being held, for the first time, in Charleston Sept. 6 – 14.

To honor Pfister, a former Charleston firefighter, the Postal Service is issuing a commemorative envelope during the event.

Jim Pitrolo, Legislative Director for Gov. Joe Manchin, Charleston Mayor Danny Jones, IMG Sports Media Producer Tim Kowalski and USPS Appalachian District Manager Karen Schenck will make presentations to Pfister — West Virginia’s own — on Sept. 3 during a 2 p.m. ceremony at the Capitol Complex Cultural Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East.

“It’s a real privilege to be honored in the same way as my fellow West Virginians Jerry West, Mary Lou Retton and Randy Moss,” said Pfister. “The community has been very supportive of me over the past 10 years.”

The collectable envelope features photos of Pfister winning the 2006 strongman competition in China. A limited number of envelopes will be printed. Envelopes will be sold for $6 on the day of the event and will be available at several Appalachian District Post Offices while supplies last. Envelopes will also be sold as souvenirs during the World’s Strongest Man Competition at Chesapeake Energy tents set up around the city. Pfister has promised to autograph one envelope for anyone who purchases five or more.

Charleston resident Brian Sider, the world record bench press champion at 772 lbs, will be competing in his first strongman competition this year.

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