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WSO urges Sikhs to get to know
Olympic kirpan accommodation policy
WSN Network
Ottawa: The
World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has urged the Sikh community
to become familiar with the guidelines accommodating the kirpan at
the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympics Games. "It is important
that all Sikh spectators at the Olympics who wear the kirpan
strictly abide by the guidelines," a WSO press release said.
Sikh spectators
wearing a kirpan must inform security personnel prior to being
screened at venues, and must meet the following stipulations:
1. All articles
of faith must be worn.
2. The maximum
total length of the kirpan, including the sheath may not exceed 7.5
inches with a blade of not more than four inches and a handle of two
inches or less.
3. The kirpan
must be worn in keeping with Sikh traditions including being secured
into its sheath, attached to a fabric belt and worn across the
torso.
4. The kirpan
must be worn under clothing and not easily accessible.
WSO Canada
President, Prem Singh Vinning said, “The V2010 ISU’s kirpan
accommodation policy is an important move in recognizing the needs
of the Sikh community and making the Olympics accessible to them.
It is essential that the Sikh community knows the stipulations in
the guidelines and follows them closely.”
WSO said it was
available to answer any questions that the community may have about
the accommodation policy. "If any issues arise during the screening
process, please immediately contact WSO. WSO is committed to
ensuring that the accommodation of the kirpan occurs smoothly and
any issues are quickly resolved."
For further
information or questions about the kirpan accommodation policy
please contact either WSO or V2010 ISU. You can contact: Prem Singh
Vinning 604-312-6377 or premvinning@gmail.com, Gian Singh Sandhu
604-341-2755 or
gian@jackpinegroup.com, Balpreet Singh 416-904-9110 or
balpreetsingh@worldsikh.org
10
February 2010
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