Inducted November 4, 1989

Williams Brothers Rowing Team - Athletes

The Williams Brothers Gordon, Leonard, Kevin, David, Frederick and Clayton were all born in Harbour Grace. These men were oarsmen during their athletic careers and attained fame at the Harbour Grace Regatta. This Regatta is billed as the second oldest sporting event in North America and just celebrated its 125th anniversary.

The rowing crew was known simply as the “Williams Brothers”. It was put together by their father Fred Williams Sr. The crew began rowing together for the first time at the Harbour Grace Regatta in 1960 and for the next nine consecutive years were the champions of the Regatta. As far as the available records of the Regatta Committee indicate, this achievement is unmatched in the 125th year history of the event. The crew also won in 1974, making it ten times as champions. There can be no doubt about the athletic skill of these men, to repeat as champions for nine years is indeed a significant achievement.