Our story: The Tulalip Orcas
Discover the heart behind the Tulalip Orcas Special Olympics Team. Learn about our mission, our values, and the impact we have on athletes and the community.
Our journey began with a shared belief
The Tulalip Orcas Special Olympics Team was created to serve athletes across Snohomish County, especially the Tulalip and Marysville communities, by providing a safe, supportive place for people of all abilities to grow through sports. Our team began with a shared belief that every athlete deserves the chance to train, compete, and be celebrated, no matter their background or ability level.
Because our program is rooted in Tulalip, we honor the strength, pride, and community values of the local Native American culture. Many of our athletes and families come from the Tulalip Tribes, and we are proud to represent a community where tradition, respect, and unity are deeply important. At the same time, we welcome and include athletes from all parts of Snohomish County, creating a team where Native and non‑Native families come together as one.
The values that guide us are inclusion, respect, teamwork, and cultural pride. We focus on building confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills.
Impacting lives and strengthening community bonds
Being part of the Tulalip Orcas has created countless moments that show how powerful inclusive sports can be for our athletes and our community. Many of our athletes from Tulalip, Marysville, and across Snohomish County have grown in confidence, independence, and pride through their involvement with the team.
One of the most meaningful impacts has been watching athletes from the Tulalip Tribes and the wider Native American community step into leadership roles, support one another, and represent their culture with strength and pride. Families often share how the Orcas have helped their athletes build friendships, improve communication skills, and feel connected to something bigger than themselves.
We’ve seen athletes who were once shy now cheering loudly for their teammates, athletes who struggled with confidence now proudly wearing their medals, and families who felt isolated now finding a supportive community. Coaches, volunteers, and community members regularly tell us how inspiring these transformations are.
What makes the Tulalip Orcas unique
The Tulalip Orcas are unique because we bring together athletes from across Snohomish County — especially Tulalip and Marysville — in a program that blends inclusive sports with deep community and cultural pride. Our team is rooted in the Tulalip community, where Native American values such as respect, unity, and strength play a meaningful role in how we support and uplift our athletes.
Unlike many sports organizations, the Orcas focus on creating a family‑like environment where athletes of all abilities are welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated. We bring Native and non‑Native athletes together, building friendships and understanding across cultures while giving every athlete a place to grow.
Our coaches and volunteers are dedicated to helping athletes build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills — not just in sports, but in everyday life. The combination of cultural connection, community support, and true inclusion is what makes the Tulalip Orcas stand out and why our team is so special.
Our hopes and dreams for the future
My hopes and dreams for the Tulalip Orcas are to keep growing a strong, positive team for athletes across Snohomish County, especially in Tulalip and Marysville. I want our athletes to feel proud, confident, and supported every time they show up.
Because our team includes both Native and non‑Native families, I hope we continue to honor the values of respect, strength, and unity while welcoming everyone who wants to be part of our program.
In the coming years, I want the Orcas to offer more sports, more practices, and more chances for athletes to shine — and to stay a place where every athlete feels included, encouraged, and part of a family.
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