Canadian Olympics CEO accused of abuse of native Indian children

Irish-born John Furlong strongly denies charges made in newspaper

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John Furlong leaves a group of " Smurfs ", blue clad former 2010 Olmypic volunteers at the Waterfront station after a promotion for his book " Patriot Hearts ". VANCOUVER, B.C.: FEBRUARY 10, 2011

Photo by Gerry Kahrmann

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"John had come straight out of Ireland and he was there because of his commitment to young people and to the Catholic Church. He knew he was coming to a First Nations community," he said. "He was there to help."

"Whether it was 1968 or 2012, abuse is abuse. And if a person was being abused, you knew it," he said.

"Frankly, for me it's just a little absurd that John, of all people, would be accused of this."

Chief Adams says an investigation must take place."An RCMP investigation must bring the truth of what happened in the past to the full light of day for all to see," Adam said. "The necessary steps must be taken, so we can put this issue to rest."

The RCMP said Thursday they are investigating all the allegations made in the matter.

On Thursday, Adam stated  in an interview he was one of Furlong's students.

"When he started off, when he came from Ireland, they put him at Immaculata school at Burns Lake, and from what I've seen, he was very mean with the kids," Adam said.

"I saw it, I saw him kicking students in the butt really hard. He did that to me at Prince George College.

"A couple of students he slapped really hard in the face and kicked them in the ass. I can't remember the name of the guy, a young kid, he kicked him in the front side, right in the crotch. He (the student) went down."

Corporal punishment for students was not outlawed in B.C. until 1973, and it was common practice at the time in many schools.

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