Canadian Martin Reader retires from the game 

TORONTO, Canada, January 25, 2013- After seven years as a member of Volleyball Canada’s national beach volleyball team program, Olympian Martin Reader announced his retirement from competition to pursue other post-Olympic opportunities.

Reader competed at the 2012 London Olympic Games with partner Josh Binstock where the pair made an impressive showing reaching the round of 16. They qualified to the Olympics via NORCECA Continental Cup.

A national team member since 2006, he was inspired by fellow Canadians and 1996 Olympic bronze medalists Mark Heese and John Child, to achieve his dream of representing Canada at the Olympic Games.

“It has been an honor to represent Canada on an international competitive level,” said Reader. “I have learned so many valuable lessons through my experience with Volleyball Canada and I am eager to share them with the community. Supporting beach and building awareness for the sport will continue to be a focus for me and I can't wait to cheer from the sidelines as our talented young athletes push for gold in the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games and 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.”

With a clear vision and driven by his passion for the sport and support from Team Canada, Martin climbed the youth ranks on Vancouver Island, BC and eventually the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Circuit. Since turning pro, Martin has competed on the FIVB World Tour with a variety of partners including Brian Heibert, Jessi Lelliott, Ray Sewell, Ahren Cadieux, Ben Saxton, Chaim Schalk and then ultimately with Josh Binstock his partner at the 2012 Olympic Games.

“I am sure that the entire volleyball community in Canada wishes Martin well in his future pursuits,” said Volleyball Canada president Hugh Wong. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of Volleyball Canada, I would like to thank Martin for the dedicated service he has provided to the national beach volleyball team. We hope that he will continue to take an active role in Canadian volleyball.”