WHL Swift Current Broncos

Swift Current Broncos, Nolan Paradis Recognized for Hard Work and Inclusion Efforts

Published on October 31, 2018 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Swift Current Broncos News Release


Swift Current Broncos equipment assistant Nolan Paradis always knew he wanted to work in a sports-related field, so he turned to the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC) for help to build his resume and gain the necessary skills needed to work in the industry.

With his goal to work in the sports industry as his driving force, Paradis began volunteering with STARS Saskatchewan, The Meadows (a long-term care facility) and the Swift Current 57s of the Western Major Baseball League. In these volunteer positions he gained customer service and money-handling skills along with various other certifications such as first aid and CPR, Serve It Right and FOODSAFE training, which gave him the experience he needed to work his way up to a pro shop and golf attendant opportunity at the Chinook Golf Course in Swift Current.

"The manager of the golf course saw a real opportunity for Nolan, so he was able to apply [for a position] and became a good fit working in the pro shop and restaurant," said Denis Perrault, Mayor of Swift Current. "Nolan is doing a great job [at Chinook golf course], keeping all the members and guests very happy."

But, the golf course is only open in the spring and summer, so to keep himself busy during the winter, Paradis applied for a position with the Swift Current Broncos. On Monday, October 30, 2017, he was hired by Jamie "Butter" LeBlanc, Swift Current's Head Athletic Coach and Equipment Manager as a room attendant and assistant trainer. Upon securing his position with the Broncos, Paradis was ecstatic.

"I liked the job right away because the Broncos are my team," Paradis said.

"He's great," LeBlanc said of Paradis. "He sets up for practices, helps with the laundry and he's great in the [dressing] room. The guys joke around with him and he jokes back and keeps the room really light, it's awesome."

For his passion and commitment to his summer and winter jobs, Paradis received the Great Work Award from the SARC on October 24, 2018 at the 50th SARC Awards in Saskatchewan. This honour rewards an individual in all employment scenarios including: a transition (first job), skill or career progression through long-term employment (either with one employer or multiple), or self-employment.

"From day one, Nolan fit in extremely well into the Broncos organization," said Ryan Switzer, Manager of Digital Media for the Broncos. "He's a young guy and the players took to him right away. They were playing games together or their phones, they were telling jokes and he just fit right into the sport culture, which spoke volumes to me about the characters and team we were building in the dressing room."

Paradis wasn't the only one to receive a special award from the SARC last week. The Swift Current Broncos were also presented the Inclusive Advantage Award, which recognizes an employer that committed to an inclusive workforce and that realizes the benefits of hiring people working with disability.

"I was so pleased to nominate the Swift Current Broncos for the Inclusive Advantage Award," said Kimi Duzan, Regional Director of SaskAbilities Swift Current. "The Swift Current Broncos are a leader in supported employment because they don't view it as supported employment. They look at it as employment for people of all abilities."

The Broncos have always included members of the community that are differently-abled to provide as many opportunities for them to experience the thrill of high-level hockey. Whether it be as fans, community members or employees, the Broncos include everybody in their game.

"It doesn't matter if it's the hockey world or a lawyer's office, there is a role for everyone and people of all abilities can be included in any business," LeBlanc said.

On behalf of the Western Hockey League and the City of Swift Current, we would like to congratulate Paradis and the Swift Current Broncos on their incredible achievements. It is a true testament to how hard both parties work for their community everyday.

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Western Hockey League Stories from October 31, 2018


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