CAAWS and ProMOTION Plus pleased with decision on Women’s Ski Jumping in the 2014 Winter Olympics
CAAWS and ProMOTION Plus pleased with decision on Women’s Ski Jumping in the 2014 Winter Olympics
Ottawa, ON. . . The International Olympic Committee has approved the addition of women’s ski jumping to the 2014 Winter Olympic program in Sochi, Russia. The announcement was made at the IOC board meeting in London, England, site of the 2012 Summer Games.
“We believe this is a terrific decision for the Olympic movement, for women in sport generally, and for women in ski jumping in particular. The IOC has increased gender equity in the Winter Olympics as a result of this decision,” said CAAWS Chair, Dru Marshall. “We commend and congratulate the female ski jumpers who showed great tenacity and determination in the face of adversity – they truly have made a difference for all young women who aspire to be ski jumpers in the Olympic Games in the future! We look forward to watching the historic first competition in Sochi, which no doubt will help increase the profile and support for women athletes around the world.”
“On behalf of ProMOTION Plus, we congratulate the IOC on this momentous decision and congratulate the women ski jumpers who are the real winners from this announcement,” said ProMOTION Plus Chair, Sue Griffin. “Our thanks to all those who have been part of the advocacy and support network, for their dedication and hard work to ensure that the Winter Olympics move closer to providing equal opportunities for women. These women have shown that they are true champions by never giving up. They have continued to excel in their sport, and inspired more and more young women to choose to become women ski jumpers and compete at the highest level of their sport.”
The IOC rendered its decision in favour of the inclusion of women’s ski jumping after deciding not to include the event in the schedule for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. At that time, the IOC said the sport was not developed enough and that it didn’t meet basic criteria for inclusion. After being denied by the IOC, the women’s ski jumpers took their case to the British Columbia Supreme Court. Unfortunately, their bid to be included on the program was rejected and subsequent attempts to appeal decisions from lower courts were unsuccessful.
The Sochi 2014 Games will mark the first time ever that women ski jumpers will be allowed to participate at the Winter Olympics. Three World Championships will take place before 2014, and a new World Cup circuit will begin in 2011-2012.
