Canada's seven inductees from seven different sports: the scope of Canada's athletic excellence shines through in the list of this year's inductees to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. The list includes rowing's Al Morrow.
Coaches Morrow (rowing) and Julie Sauvé (synchronized swimming) will be honoured as Builders together with Ron and Margaret Southern who constructed and developed Calgary's world-renowned Spruce Meadows equestrian centre. They will join the following Athletes: wheelchair sports competitor and Man In Motion World Tour legend Rick Hansen, golfer Moe Norman, squash racquet star Jonathon Power and figure skating champion Elvis Stojko at Canada's Sports Hall of Fame's gala Induction Dinner on November 1, 2006 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
Al Morrow began his coaching career as an assistant with the national men's team in 1977 following his participation as a member of Canada's rowing team at the 1976 Olympic Games. Working primarily with women's crews since 1989, he coached, among others, Marnie McBean, Kathleen Heddle, Emma Robinson, Alison Korn and Lesley Thompson. Over the years his crews have collected four gold, one silver and two bronze Olympic Games medals along with seven gold, five silver and four bronze at the World Championships. In 1999 the International Rowing Federation named Morrow coach of the year.
"This is a great honour for Al, and one which he truly deserves," said former World Champion rower Alison Korn. "I fondly remember his many strengths as a coach including his fairness, inspiring speeches, competitive group workouts, and attention to details such as race strategy and technique."
Morrow is now in charge of development for the women's team based in London, Ont.
"We are lucky he's always chosen to coach solely in Canada," said Korn. "Now I hope he is able to help rebuild the Canadian women's rowing team in to a world power again!"
"The inductees' credentials are impeccable" acclaimed Senator Trevor Eyton, Chairman of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, "we are thrilled to have the opportunity to add these Athletes and Builders to the Hall¹s roster of Honoured Members."