The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is proud to celebrate coach Yolande Jones-Grande, who has been announced as an inductee into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements as an athlete. A star of Canadian hurdling during the 1980’s and 90’s, Jones-Grande enjoyed a decorated track career that saw her represent Canada on the international stage for nearly a decade.
Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jones-Grande moved to Oshawa in 1980 and found her passion for track and field after joining her school’s team to make friends. She was initially drawn to hurdles because only boys were doing them, and her competitive nature pushed her to take on the challenge. Within two years, she was one of the country’s top young hurdlers, earning a spot on the Canadian national team.
Jones-Grande’s career flourished as she collected numerous national junior and senior medals in the 100-metre hurdles. In 1984, she won a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the Pan American Junior Championships in the Bahamas, an experience that fueled her desire to compete at the highest level.
Two years later, Jones-Grande qualified for the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh after running a personal best of 13.55 seconds at the Canadian Senior Championships in Ottawa. She would go on to compete for Canada at several international meets, including events in Yugoslavia and Morocco.
Her induction into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and impact on the sport. While her days as a competitor are behind her, Jones-Grande continues to leave her mark on Canadian athletics as a coach with the Ottawa Lions, mentoring the next generation of athletes.
The Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Tribute Communities Centre, where Jones-Grande will be honoured alongside her four fellow inductees. The Ottawa Lions congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate her remarkable journey from a young hurdler in Oshawa to an international competitor and respected coach.