VANCOUVER 2010: EQUALITY IN SPORTS GARY MASON The things you learn when you host an Olympics.
While it always looked like the International Olympic Committee operated as if it had the powers of the Vatican, who knew that it did When the Olympics come to your town, the organizers are not subject to the same laws that govern the citizens footing the bill for the grand affair. The IOC is a law unto itself. That is why I don’t have much hope for the determined group of young female ski jumpers from around the world who are in a Vancouver courtroom this week seeking the opportunity to take part in the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The women put forward their position before the judge earlier this week. They believe the decision to refuse them a spot in the Games amounts to gender discrimination under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Vancouver Organizing Committee responded yesterday, saying the decision was made by the IOC, an international body to which the provisions of the charter don’t apply.