Former NHLer Theo Fleury’s foundation hosting Victor Walks in Okanagan

The Breaking Free Foundation, a charity created by former NHLers Theo Fleury in the wake of the sexual abuse he suffered, is hosting community walks in Kelowna, Vernon and Revelstoke next week.

The Breaking Free Foundation helps people who were traumatized by sexual abuse in their childhood. Fleury was sexually abused by a hockey coach in the 1980s. He came forward in 2009 by publishing a book. By that time he had retired from the NHL.

He had some very successful seasons in the league and internationally – he won a Stanley Cup in 1989, an Olympic gold medal in 2002, and scored over 1,000 points in his career. However his playing career was brought to an early end due to drug and alcohol abuse.

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Fleury's foundation, which is based in Calgary, was formed after the success of the first Victor Walks in 2013, which he spearheaded.

Victor Walks will be happening in Golden at Kumsheen Park on July 20, in Revelstoke on July 21 at Grizzly Plaza, in Vernon's Polson Park on July 22 and in Kelowna at Rutland Centennial Park on July 23.

Participants are encouraged to wear orange. There is no cost to attend.

For more information about start times and how to get involved, go here.

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