Ski Jumpers' Dreams Come to an End
For the past two years, Davis LLP has had the privilege of representing 15 female ski jumpers in their fight to be included in the 2010 Winter Olympics. This morning came the disappointing news that the Supreme Court Of Canada would not hear the jumpers' appeal. The 2010 Winter Olympics will proceed with three ski jumping events for men but none for women.
Regardless of this outcome, the female ski jumpers are to be commended for their strength, determination and bravery.
"I admire these young women tremendously," says D. Ross Clark, Q.C., litigation team leader. "It takes guts to stand up to an international organization and demand equality. These women knew they were being wronged and their courage never wavered."
Davis involvement began when Clark heard about the plight of the female ski jumpers through an American colleague. Intrigued, Clark approached the firm about taking on the case on a pro bono basis. The Firm quickly put its support behind the female athletes and a lawsuit was launched.
"It was an exciting case to work on," says Jeffrey Horswill, another key lawyer on the case. "I think everyone was impressed with these women and this case certainly brought attention to the issue of gender equality in sports. We're not quite there yet but we are making progress."
Davis has a long tradition of taking on cases where justice and equality are at stake. One of the most significant battles for equality waged by Davis was the fight for justice for Japanese-Canadians who were interned during World War II and whose rights continued to be trampled by deportation orders handed down after the war's conclusion. This fight for justice ultimately resulted in a successfull settlement with government.
The Davis team, led by Ross Clark, Jeff Horswill and Monika Gehlen, is proud of the impact this case will have on future Olympic events.