By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
The Tulalip Orcas, a Special Olympics Washington team rooted in the Tulalip and Marysville communities, took to the field on Saturday, April 25, at Marysville-Pilchuck High School for a regional competition. Under sunny skies and in front of packed stands, the day became a showcase of determination, teamwork, and pride as the Orcas prepared for the next stage of competition.
Taking to the field for the Orcas were Tulalip tribal members Sean Paul Mace and Aiden Hillaire, along with teammates Andrew Peyton, Myron Mitchell, Kaiden Eggen, and Lucas Keck, each bringing their own energy and effort to the competition.
Tulalip tribal member Tyler Fryberg, coach and founder of the Tulalip Orcas, said, “I started as an athlete, and then I got into leadership.” That experience got him thinking about his tribe and people with disabilities. “I always wondered, why can’t we bring something like this to the reservation, so people here have a place of their own?”
That vision grew from what he witnessed as athletes competed off the reservation. “They weren’t always being treated right or included,” he said. “So, I wanted to create a team here where everybody is appreciated and can be part of something while staying connected to their culture.”
For many athletes and their families, the Orcas have become more than just a team, offering a place to belong and grow. “I have athletes who never had the chance to play a sport because of their disability or didn’t know where to go,” Fryberg said. “Now they have something where they can participate and feel like they belong, no matter what their disability is. A lot of people think it’s just sports, but it’s more than that. It gives athletes the chance to do what they want to do and be part of something bigger.”
As with many programs, building participation remains a challenge, both in attracting athletes and in encouraging community support. “We’re trying to get people to come out, see what we’re doing, and maybe help or volunteer,” Fryberg said. “They don’t have to coach, just come out and support.”
Still, the impact continues to show in meaningful ways. “My favorite is when a parent tells me their child is doing something they never thought was possible,” he said. “That’s what Special Olympics does, it shows these kids have more potential than people sometimes realize.”
Fryberg, who has spent 12 years with Special Olympics and has led the Orcas for the past two, said what keeps him going is simple. “It’s the excitement on the athletes’ faces and hearing how much it means to their families,” he said.
Reflecting on regionals, Fryberg said, “My team did very well. I always tell them, whatever happens, just have fun and do your best.” He also pointed to moments throughout the season that stood out, including one athlete who came in facing both neurological and visual challenges. “At the beginning, I wasn’t sure what he would be able to do, but he goes out there and runs,” Fryberg said. “He has someone with him, but he still gets out there and shows everyone what he can do.”
Looking ahead, the Tulalip Orcas now prepare for the Special Olympics Washington State Games, set for May 29-31 in Tacoma. Fryberg hopes the community continues to show support while carrying a simple message forward. “Just be kind to everybody and respect everyone you’re around,” he said. “You don’t know what someone is going through. Take the time to get to know people, they’re just like anybody else, they might just do things a little differently.”
For information or to help support the Orcas, please visit https://www.tulaliporcasspecialolympicsteam.com/