Former NHL player expands his respect in sport program to schools

CALGARY – A parent group that runs programs against bullying and abuse in sports has announced a first for Canada and North America.

The group known as Respect Group Incorporated is co-founded by Wayne McNeil and former NHL hockey player Sheldon Kennedy.

RGI launched the “Respect in Sport” online program, teaming up with Hockey Canada to make it mandatory for all hockey parents to take an online course on proper behaviour at the arena.

Now, it’s expanding the anti-bullying program to schools.

On Thursday, RGI announced a ground breaking partnership with the Foothills School Division, which includes schools south of Calgary.

Approximately two to three children in every classroom are being bullied in some form. Within three years, RGI hopes to train 1000 teachers, support staff and other adults in this school division to identify those children and take action to help.

“These kids understand that their teachers and these adults understand this stuff and they’re going to go to them,” says Sheldon.

The Foothills School Division is the first to get a look at the new online program named “Respect in School”. The website provides adults with consistent tools to talk to kids about bullying, abuse, harassment and neglect and understand their legal obligation to take action.

The program will be mandatory for every parent and staff member of the school division.