Advertisement

Sheldon Kennedy returning to Swift Current to help protect kids

Click to play video: 'Sheldon Kennedy will attend announcement of new initiative to protect children'
Sheldon Kennedy will attend announcement of new initiative to protect children
WATCH ABOVE: Sheldon Kennedy, an advocate for child abuse prevention and education, joins Global Calgary with details on a new initiative to protect children being announced in Swift Current, Sask – Jan 7, 2016

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.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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.

Story continues below advertisement

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

Sponsored content

AdChoices