Sheldon Kennedy returning to Swift Current to help protect kids

Former NHL hockey player Sheldon Kennedy is returning to the Saskatchewan city where he was sexually abused by his junior hockey coach to help protect other kids. Swift Current is launching a certification initiative for community organizations that will require criminal background checks on adults working with children.

It also has an education component on how to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

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READ MORE: Swift Current Mayor issues apology to Graham James’s victims

Kennedy says groups such as Hockey Canada have similar training, but rules are lacking for private coaches, daycares and organizations that fall under the city’s umbrella.

The former hockey player revealed 20 years ago that he was abused by Graham James, his coach with the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos.

Kennedy is now an advocate for child victims.

There is also to be a screening of a documentary called “Swift Current,” which looks at the repercussions of Kennedy’s abuse.