Induction year: 2014
Induction category: Athlete

Meet Gareth Rees, a rugby superstar, Order of Sport Recipient, and Hall of Famer who has made a tremendous impact on and off the field! At just 19, he became the youngest player ever selected for an All-World Rugby XV and proudly represented Canada in four consecutive Rugby World Cups, captaining the team 25 times!. After retiring, Gareth turned his passion for rugby into a mission to inspire the next generation as the National Program Manager at Rugby Canada. He introduces the game to kids of all ages, promoting teamwork, perseverance, and inclusion. Gareth’s journey shows us that being a champion isn’t just about winning; it’s about lifting others up and making a positive impact in our communities!

RUGBY

Rugby is a contact team sport that is based on running with the oval ball in hand. There are two forms of the game, one being played between two teams of 15 players and the other being played with two teams of 7 players.

Induction year: 2017
Induction category: Athlete

Cindy Klassen’s journey began at the age of two when her dad handed her a homemade hockey stick and skates. As a girl who loved sports, she dreamt of becoming a world-class hockey player. But when she didn’t make the Olympic team, she faced a tough decision. Instead of giving up, she boldly switched to speed skating, where she initially struggled—getting lapped by kids half her age! However, her grit and determination quickly paid off. At the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Cindy captured her first Medal—a bronze in the 3000m. Four years later, she became the first Canadian to win five medals in a single Winter Olympic Games, including a gold in the 1500m and a silver in the Team Pursuit. With six Olympic medals and 115 international accolades under her belt, she still holds the world record in the 3000m! Beyond her remarkable achievements, Cindy is passionate about empowering others and inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles they encounter..

Jennifer Jones is one of Canada’s most accomplished curlers, with an Olympic Gold Medal, two world championships, and six national titles. She made Olympic history on multiple occasions, first in 2014, by leading her team to an undefeated Olympic gold in Sochi, and in 2022, when she returned to the Olympic Games and became Canada’s oldest female Winter Olympian. Jennifer has 16 Tournament of Hearts appearances, holds the record for most career wins at the Canadian women’s championship, and has claimed nine Grand Slam titles, including six Players’ Championships women’s titles.

Beyond her success on the ice, Jennifer is a dedicated advocate for gender equity in sports. She has spoken out about funding disparities in women’s athletics, highlighting the need for increased sponsorship and investment. A strong proponent of pay equity in curling, she celebrated Curling Canada’s 2019 decision to equalize prize money for men’s and women’s championships. As a mother of two daughters, she continues to push for equal opportunities for future generations of female athletes.

Now, in addition to her remarkable career, Jennifer Jones is coaching Rachel Homan’s team at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, imparting her vast experience and leadership to the next generation of curlers.

CURLING

Curling is a sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice toward a target area that is segmented into four concentric circles.