Olympic torch burns for Woodlands survivors

VANCOUVER , Feb. 9 /CNW/ - "We are about to discover that in Canada , in British Columbia and in our communities that absolutely anything we want to do is possible if we want to do it badly enough. This will be our time..." - John Furlong

It's precisely in that spirit - the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games - that Vancouver lawyer David Klein announced today that he will be carrying the torch for the survivors of the infamous Woodlands School.

"Having the honour of carrying the Olympic torch through my home city of Vancouver is a dream come true," said Klein, who has represented former Woodlands residents in a class action lawsuit against the government of BC.

"It's also an honour for me to dedicate my run to the survivors of that infamous institution - those who just now are starting to find justice, and especially those who are still waiting."

Klein says he disagrees with those critics of the Games who contend the Olympics are for the wealthy and the privileged. "To me, the intertwined Olympic rings are a symbol that we are all connected. What affects one of us, affects all of us. The Olympic flame is a flame of hope; it burns brightest for the most vulnerable among us," he said.

The 500 Woodlands survivors who were excluded from the recent government settlement are those who suffered physical, sexual and psychological abuse at the hands of the state prior to 1974, before the government became liable for its misconduct.

Mr. Klein will be carrying the Olympic torch on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 2:30 pm at 12th Avenue and Fraser in Vancouver . He and several Woodlands survivors will be on hand at 12:30 pm for media interviews at the entrance of the Trout Lake Community Center located at 3350 Victoria Drive, Vancouver .

About Klein Lyons

Klein Lyons is one of Canada's leading class action and personal injury law firms. For more information on the firm and on the Woodlands class action: www.kleinlyons.com

For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Andrea Potter, Klein Lyons, [phone]; David Klein, Klein Lyons, [phone]