July 13, 2009

CAAWS disappointed at decision on Women’s Ski Jumping in the 2010 Winter Olympics

Ottawa, ON. . . CAAWS, the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity, is disappointed that the B.C. Supreme Court decided against the bid by women ski jumpers to be included in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“While we were hopeful that the BC Supreme Court would rule in favour of the ski jumpers, we knew it was going to be a difficult decision. It’s disappointing that in this day and age we are still fighting this battle in Canada, where we have such a strong reputation for gender equity,” said CAAWS chair, Nicole Smith of New Maryland, New Brunswick. “However, we realize that since the International Olympic Committee is not bound by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the court could not make an effective ruling over a body that operates outside of Canada’s jurisdiction.”

Smith was pleased to see that Judge Lauri Ann Fenlon recognized the case was inherently discriminatory. “As the judge stated, the exclusion of these athletes from the Winter Olympics is discriminatory. CAAWS wants to encourage young women to continue pursuing their athletic dreams, and will continue to support the female ski jumpers in their quest for Olympic equity with male ski jumpers.”

Deborah Folka: Who knew women couldn't ski jump in the Winter Olympics? - January 16, 2010 www.straight.com

Olympic dream dashed for women ski jumpers - November 13, 2009 www.ctvolympics.ca

Women ski jumpers file appeal - August 26, 2009 www.ctvolympics.ca

Women ski jumpers formally take next legal step in bid for 2010 Games - July 21, 2009 www.ctvolympics.ca

Vancouver 2010 Statement of BC Supreme Court Decision on Women's Ski Jumping at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
- July 10, 2009 www.vancouver2010.com

Soaring Into Court, Seeking Inclusion - April 21, 2009 www.nytimes.com

IOC defends exclusion of women's ski jumping - January 9, 2008 www.cbc.ca

ABC World News February 8, 2006

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