Only one year left to include women’s ski jumping

OTTAWA – With only 365 days before the Vancouver Olympics, New Democrat MP Dawn Black (New Westminster-Coquitlam) is demanding the Conservative government intervene in the International Olympic Committee’s decision to exclude women’s ski jumping from the 2010 Games.

“Ski jumping has been an Olympic sport since the start of the Winter Games in 1924,” said Black. “Isn't it time we allow women, who are already competing at the international level, to finally compete at the Vancouver Games?”

Ski jumping is the only Olympic sport which does not allow women’s participation. The IOC has argued their decision to bar women’s ski jumping from the Olympics is based on “technical merit.” However, these athletes are not convinced. Since Vancouver was awarded the Games back in 2003, the women ski jumpers have taken their case to the Canadian Human Rights Commission and to the BC Supreme Court.

“The values of the Olympics reflect fair play and respect – where is the fairness and respect for the women who want to participate in these Olympic games, and represent their countries?” asked Black.

While both VANOC and the IOC refuse to change their positions, the federal government has flip-flopped on its commitment to stand behind this important initiative.

“In the past, Ministers for Sport and the 2010 Olympics publicly supported this campaign. We want the current Minister of State for Sport, the Hon. Gary Lunn, to address this issue immediately before it’s too late.”

Black concluded: “The world will be watching the Olympics in Vancouver. Therefore, Canada should be a role model and a leader by demonstrating the true spirit of the Olympics. The exclusion of female ski jumpers is an affront to both Canadian law and Canadian values.”