25 Years: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Realizing it was 25 years ago that Graham James pleaded guilty to sexual assault, it gave us pause to reflect. From that ugly reality, so much has been done for the better. To our many partners and supporters, thank you for your leadership. Culture change is not easy. To our amazing Team at Respect Group, thank you for making the important work we do look easy.

Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil – Co-founders of Respect Group

1997	Graham James, Sheldon Kennedy’s former Junior Hockey coach, pleads guilty to Sexual Assault
1998	May to November – Sheldon Kennedy in-line skates across Canada to raise awareness of abuse
2004	Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil found Respect Group
2006	First partners to mandate Respect in Sport for all coaches – Sport Manitoba and Gymnastics Canada
2007	Respect in Sport featured on CBC Hockey Day in Canada with Peter Mansbridge
2007	Sheldon Kennedy appointed to IOC Medical Committee creates Consensus Statement on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport
2010	First Respect in the Workplace partner, FT Services
2010	First Respect in Sport Parent Program partner Hockey Calgary
2012	First Respect in School partner, Manitoba Ministry of Education
2012	Sheldon Kennedy testifies at US Senate after Penn State sexual abuse scandal
2016	“Swift Current” the documentary is released
2018	Respect Group certifies 1 Million people
2018	KGIS launches in partnership with Jumpstart Charities and Canadian Women & Sport
2018	Respect Group becomes an accredited B CORP
2018	Government of Saskatchewan first province to launch Respect in the Workplace
2020	Stay in the Game program is launched
2021	Respect in Sport program for Officials is launched
2021	Respect Group launches The Sheldon Kennedy Show
2022	NHL partners with Respect Group to deliver Respect in the Workplace across the league
	The Journey Continues From the 1998 cross-Canada skate