VANOC statement on British Columbia Court of Appeal decision regarding
women's ski jumping at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games

VANCOUVER , Nov. 13 /CNW/ - In a ruling released today, the British Columbia Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal of a ruling by the British Columbia Supreme Court regarding women's ski jumping at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The appeal was heard November 12 and 13, 2009 in Vancouver , BC, by a panel of three appeal court judges.

In a decision released on July 10, 2009 , British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Lauri Ann Fenlon found the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is not in breach of Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in regards to women competing in ski jumping at the 2010 Winter Games. The decision was appealed by the female ski jumpers.

"We appreciate the court's time and careful consideration of these complex issues," said John Furlong , VANOC's Chief Executive Officer, in response to the ruling. "With 91 days remaining until the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, we must remain focused on our preparations to stage the 2010 sport program as set out by the International Olympic Committee, including a men's ski jumping event.

"We remain supportive of these remarkable young women and of having women's ski jumping added to the roster of future Olympic Winter Games."

VANOC has taken numerous measures to support women's ski jumping including: inviting Canadian women to all open/international training sessions at Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons (over 1,000 training jumps in total); hosting competitions such as the Canadian Championships and the North American Junior Championships) in January 2008 and the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ladies Continental Cup in December 2008 ; as well as offering Learn To Jump programs for over 80 participants.

In 2010, three men's ski jumping events will be held at Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park starting February 12 and ending on February 22 .

Following today's court decision regarding women's ski jumping at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, VANOC CEO John Furlong held a telephone news conference.

To hear audio, dial 1-800-408-3053, pass code 4612331.

For further information: Media Contact: Mary Fraser, VANOC Communications, Tel: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]