Colleen Jones welcomed to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

A Canadian curling icon will officially take her place among our country’s sporting legends during the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony tonight in Toronto.

Colleen Jones is being inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. (Photo, Curling Canada/Michael Burns)

Six-time Scotties Tournament of Hearts and two-time World Women’s champion Colleen Jones of Halifax is one of seven inductees who are being honoured during the ceremony at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

“When you walk through the Hall of Fame and see the level of talent and greatness that Canadian sport has — you’re in awe of the people you’re going in with,” said Jones of her induction. “Not just the curlers, but all of the athletes who’ve done so many inspiring things. Their journeys have been incredible, and to be in the Hall with all those people is mind blowing for me. It’s a pinch-me thing!”

Jones, also a member of the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, hold records for Canadian women’s championship victories (six; in 1982, ’99, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’04) and appearances at the national championship (21). In addition to her world championship gold medals in 2001 and 2004, she also took silver in 2003.

Her team of third Kim Kelly, second Mary-Anne Arsenault and lead/vice-skip Nancy Delahunt made history with their four consecutive Scotties triumphs, from 2001 through 2004. Taking into account their victory in 1999, they won an amazing five Scotties titles in six years.

“Colleen has exemplified the best qualities of Canadian curling during her brilliant career, and we couldn’t be happier to see her take her place in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame,” said Peter Inch, Chair of Curling Canada’s Board of Governors. “Curling Canada is thrilled to have played a role in Colleen’s success over the years, and I know that I speak on behalf of every Canadian curling fan in offering our congratulations. It’s gratifying to see Colleen, and our sport, taken to greater levels of recognition by being part of tonight’s ceremony.”

Jones will be the 15th curler to become an Honoured Member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Colleen Jones is the 15th curler to join Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. (Photo, Curling Canada/Andrew Klaver)

Previous inductees were Russ Howard in 2013; the four members of Team Sandra Schmirler (Jan Betker, Joan McCusker, Marcia Gudereit) in 2000; Don Duguid in 1991; Howard (Pappy) Wood in 1977; Matt Baldwin in 1973; Ron Northcott in 1970; Ken Watson in 1969; and the four members of Team Ernie Richardson (Arnold Richardson, Sam Richardson, Wes Richardson) in 1968.

“When I looked at those names, it just sent goosebumps down my back,” said Jones of her fellow curling Honoured Members. “Being in the Hall with those legends, it made me feel really humbled and proud. Those are the legends of sport.”

Jones is being inducted tonight along with former CFL player Michael (Pinball) Clemons, para-swimmer Stephanie Dixon, Special Olympics Movement creator Dr. Frank Hayden, four-time Olympian (including appearances at both the Summer Games, in kayaking, and Winter Games, in cross-country skiing), speed skater Annie Perreault and former NHL player Bryan Trottier.

“It’s lofty company, but my teammates, Kim Kelly, Nancy Delahunt Mary-Anne Arsenault, Laine Peters and Mary Sue Radford — curling is such  team sport and I wouldn’t be going in without them,” said Jones. “And that first team (1982 Scotties champs) with my sisters Monica and Barb — they will be at the ceremony tonight, which is wonderful. You can’t there without the help of everybody along the way; teammates in curling are everything. I also had tremendous support over the years from Curling Canada, and High Performance Director Gerry Peckham — it truly was a team effort.”

For full biographies of the Class of 2016, please visit www.sportshall.ca