Vancouver 2010 Statement of BC Supreme Court Decision on Women's Ski Jumping at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games

Vancouver, BC --  The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) received today the Reasons for Judgment delivered by The Honourable Madam Justice Fenlon in a suit brought against the Organizing Committee on the issue of women’s ski jumping at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The court hearing was held in the Supreme Court of British Columbia from April 21-24, 2009 in Vancouver, BC.

Justice Fenlon has decided that VANOC is not in breach of section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and has dismissed the plaintiffs’ application against VANOC. A complete copy of her judgement, as provided by the British Columbia Supreme Court to VANOC earlier today, is available at www.vancouver2010.com by selecting About VANOC on the home page, then Organizing Committee, then Public Communications, then Reports.

John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer, said today in response to the ruling:
“While this has been a difficult and challenging process for all involved, the ruling today means that we can continue on with our preparations for the 2010 Sport Program as set out by the International Olympic Committee, including a men’s ski jumping event. We appreciate Justice Fenlon’s careful consideration of the very complex issues.” 

Men’s ski jumping competition at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be held at Whistler Olympic Park, and includes the disciplines of Normal Hill Individual (February 12-13), Large Hill Individual (February 19-20) and Large Hill Team (February 22).

Furlong reiterated VANOC’s commitment to helping women ski jumpers grow their sport for possible inclusion in future Olympic Winter Games, saying. “We recognize that the women ski jumpers are committed and passionate athletes and appreciate how hard they are working to have their sport included in the Olympic Winter Games. The IOC has indicated that there is a possibility that they could compete in the 2014 Games; we will continue to do everything we can to help these athletes achieve inclusion in future Games.”
VANOC has taken numerous measures to support women’s ski jumping including:  inviting Canadian women to all open/international training sessions on the venue on the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons (over 1000 training jumps in total); hosting competitions including the Canadian Championships (Jan 08), the North American Junior Championships (Jan 08)and the FIS Ladies Continental Cup (Dec 08);  and offering girls’/womens’ Learn To Jump” programs for over 80 participants in the 2007-08 and 2008-2009 season).

Note to editors:

1) Media availability:  John Furlong will be available at the 2010 Countdown Clock in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery today from 12:45 – 1:00 p.m.  He must leave at that time to participate in the visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan and protocol does not allow for further questions or comments on this issue at that event.

2) Photos: A high-res downloadable photograph of the Whistler ski jump venue can be located on vancouver2010.com under the Media Centre section, by selecting the Image Gallery and then the Competition Venue Photos.

3) IOC information: The following link is to the International Olympic Committee’s section on their website that specifically addresses this issue.

http://www.olympic.org/uk/utilities/reports/level2_uk.asp?HEAD2=135&HEAD1=29

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Contact
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