VANCOUVER – He was arguably the greatest rowing coach in this country's history, and today the late Frank Read gets inducted into the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Read virtually put rowing on the map in Canada. As coach of the UBC-VRC (Vancouver Rowing Club) team, Read guided his team to unparalleled  success.  The decade between 1950 & 60 is fondly referred to as Vancouver's "Golden Era of Rowing", and Read was the architect.

The world started paying attention to Read and UBC rowing in 1954 at the Commonwealth games. Read's UBC eights stunned the heavily favoured English team and took home gold. One year later at the Henley Royal Regatta, UBC upset the reigning world champions from Russia in the semifinals, they would go on to finish second and claim a silver medal. In that same year, Read prepared two rowing crews, an 8 and a 4 to compete at the Melbourne Summer Olympics. Both crews finished in the medals. The 8's won silver, while the 4's captured gold. It was Canada's first-ever rowing gold medal.

After taking a few years off, Read returned to coach Canada's 8's at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Once again Read's crew was up to the challenge, winning another silver medal.

Known as a hard-nosed disciplinarian, Read demanded a total commitment from his rowers. The tough approach paid off.

Read retired from coaching after the 1960 games, and turned his focus towards the creation of the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Read served as the Hall's first-ever Chairman, and was inducted in 1966. He is also a member of the UBC Sports Hall of Fame.

There is no arguing the influence Read had on UBC and Canadian rowing, but his effect was far more reaching.  Read's unparalleled success at UBC is credited with helping to change Canadians' attitudes towards sport.  Read proved our country's athletes could compete against the best in the world. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 83. 

To celebrate Read's long awaited induction into the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, "Gold For Life", a group of UBC Rowing alumni and supporters, is seeking to raise $30,000 to support UBC Rowing in Read's honour. Funds raised will be used to provide awards for outstanding members of the UBC Rowing Club. By Supporting exceptional rowers on both the men's and women's crews, these awards will help ensure future generations of UBC athletes are empowered to reach the same level of excellence Read inspired in so many. UBC invites you to be part of honouring a significant figure in Canadian athletics with a gift towards UBC Rowing in recognition of Frank Read. With your support, the university can continue the legacy of this Canadian legend and promote a future of excellence for UBC athletes.