POSTED: Sunday January 17th 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sport leaders say 'no more' to IOC gender discrimination

The Coalition of Athletes for Inclusion in Sport was formed in 2009 to address the IOC Gender Policy.

Toronto, Canada:  The Coalition of Athletes for Inclusion in Sport has released the official alternative to the current International Olympic Committee (IOC) Gender Policy. Kristen Worley is a Canadian high performance track cyclist who has been speaking publicly on the issues of gender discrimination and the treatment of gender variant athletes and has recently taken on a new role as a co-founder of the Coalition.

“Gender is not a black and white issue,” remarks Worley, “and the treatment that some athletes have endured in the name of proving one’s gender is so far removed from the spirit of the Olympic movement of modern day.  As an athlete who has experienced the challenges of the current antiquated policy it is just thrilling to see this group come together and develop a sound alternative.”

The Coalition of Athletes for Inclusion in Sport was formed in 2009 to address the IOC Gender Policy.  In addition to gender equity, the Coalition seeks a sport system that is open to all people, at all levels of participation recognizing in particular those previously excluded from the narrow definition of what is assumed normal human development.

The release of the position statement coincides with the IOC Gender Summit which will be taking place on January 16th, 2010 in Miami.  With only a few short weeks before the opening of the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, the Coalition is hopeful that sport leaders take note and join together finally saying ‘no more’ to archaic and discriminatory practices in the name of fair play.

Long-time sport advocate and lawyer Ann Peel states, “Athletes must speak up for a sporting world that includes all people, at all levels, because sport is a powerful human endeavour that must open its doors and celebrate all of humanity. With that aim in mind, we must revisit how we decide who is permitted to participate, and who makes that decision, and we must do this revisiting in a way that honours human rights.”

The official alternative to the IOC Gender Policy outlines the facts, issues and provides recommendations.  Based on inclusive values and founded in evidence-based research, the statement is ground-breaking and appropriate for the modern era.

“The bottom line,” says Eli Wolff, Manager of Research and Advocacy at the Center for Sport in Society at Northeastern University, “is that we need to strive to bring the ideals of inclusion and respect for human dignity into reality and reflected in non-discrimination policy that embraces the principle of fairness and equality."

The Coalition of Athletes for Inclusion in Sport requests that the IOC work with and listen to international professionals in relevant fields of expertise, international and national sport governing bodies, women's and men's organizations, and athletes who have been marginalized and effected by policies created by the IOC.

Media Contact:
Kristen Worley, Canadian Elite Track Cyclist

Email - kristen@kristenworley.ca

For Official Policy Statement & More Information goto - http://www.kristenworley.ca

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Keywords · Coalition of Athletes for Inclusion in Sport · IOC · Kristen Worley · gender testing

Name: Kristen Worley
Organization: The Coalition of Athletes for Inclusion in Sport
Email:
URL: http://www.kristenworley.ca

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