Team Jones News Release

Winnipeg, MAN_As it prepares for the 2014 Olympics, Team Jennifer Jones announced that it plans to revitalize the squad by adding a new member who can bring fresh energy and perspectives to the team.

After  6 successful  years with The Jennifer Jones team the current third Cathy Overton Clapham will be replaced. Following her departure, the team will add a new member to help the team achieve peak performance in time for the next Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Jones said the 2014 Olympics will be the culmination of a four-year development cycle. Starting the rebuilding process now will allow the team as much time as possible to gel with the new third.

“Our goal is to represent Canada at the World Women’s Curling Championship and the Olympics. To do that, we need to take steps now to ensure we will have a complete set of skills and strengths come 2014,” Jones said.

“It’s the right move and the right time. It’s been a wonderful partnership, but to build for the future, any team needs to keep injecting new energy and maintaining the right balance,” added lead Dawn Askin. “In curling, where there are only four members on a team, it is especially true.”

The Jones team was the Canadian and World’s Women’s Champions in 2008, and the Canadian Scotties Tournament of Hearts Champions in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The squad also won the Player’s Championship in 2006, 2007 and 2009 and the Strauss Canada Cup of Curling in 2007.

The team praised Cathy for helping it achieve this outstanding track record.

“Cathy is one the top thirds in Canada and has been a huge component of the team’s success,” said Jones. “More importantly, she is passionate about the game. We have been fortunate to count her as a team member and friend. This will be an emotional time for all of us, but we will always have the benefit of what we have learned from Cathy over the years.”

The past year has been difficult for the Jones team. In December 2009, the team missed out on the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2010 Olympics.

“We have a lot of hard work ahead, and it is an exciting time,” second Jill Officer said. “There have been disappointments, but in the end, that is what builds strength, heart and the drive to win.”