Elkhorn product Sheldon Kennedy’s work to protect children and keep sport safe has had a major impact.
That was recognized when it was announced last week that the former National Hockey League player will be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame as a builder and receive the Order of Sport. Kennedy is part of a prestigious class that includes two-time National Basketball Association MVP Steve Nash, golfer Lorie Kane, and Willie O’Ree, the first black player in the NHL. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the induction celebration will be held in 2021.
On Twitter, Kennedy tweeted, “I am so honoured to be along side this amazing group of individuals as we enter Canada's Sport Hall of Fame. Thank you to all who have helped make our country better thru #sport.”
Kennedy played 310 NHL games with three teams. He had a major impact with the awareness he has raised, the efforts he has led, and causes he has championed since formally charging his former junior hockey coach, Graham James, with sexual assault in 1997.
His work has included, to name just a few activities, an in-line skate across Canada in 1998 that raised more than $1.2 million for Canadian Red Cross abuse prevention programs, helping establish the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre, and co-founding the Respect Group, which works with sports organizations, schools, and workplaces to prevent discrimination, bullying and abuse.
With his family, Kennedy splits his time between Calgary and his farm near Lucky Lake, Sask.
