WINNIPEG – Jennifer Jones’ rink will have an extra big cheering section at the Winter Olympics next month in Russia.
The curlers’ families will join them in Sochi thanks to a $25,000 donation from the employees of World Financial Group, the team’s main sponsor.
“It’s amazing,” said Jones. “Their slogan is never leave any family behind. They definitely stood behind that. They went above and beyond for us.”
“I just get choked up thinking about it, because it was just such a nice gesture and how it came about,” said second Jill Officer. “The fact it came from all 7,000 people — it was really nice and our families were in tears. We were in tears.”
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But what really has the St. Vital-based team smiling is the thought of walking out to a full stadium for the Olympics opening ceremonies – a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“We’ve talked to a few people who have been and they say that’s the one thing that really sticks out in your mind,” said lead Dawn McEwen. “The one thing you’re really going to remember from going to the Olympics.”
“To be able to walk in the opening ceremonies and have that maple leaf on our back, walking with other (Canadians) is going to be amazing,” said third Kaitlyn Lawes.
“It’s what we’ve worked 20 years for,” said Jones. “It’s all in that moment to walk out as Team Canada with the rest of our amazing Olympic team.”
Jones’ rink will take part in this weekend’s Continental Cup in Las Vegas. The bonspiel will be the first time the team curls competitively since winning the Roar of the Rings Canadian Olympic curling trials in December. The foursome will then make stops in Ottawa and Switzerland to make their final preparations before the Winter Games.
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