Kleefeld resident Trey Friesen was recently named the Manitoba Aboriginal Athlete of the year.

Friesen is a grade 12 student at the SRSS but notes that the award itself is open to indigenous athletes of all ages. He adds that getting the initial phone call from the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Council was somewhat of a shock.

“It’s kind of funny how I got it,” laughs Friesen. “I was coming home from the gym and I was really tired. Then I was called by this number from Winnipeg that I didn’t recognize, but I still picked up the phone.”

From there, Friesen was told that he had been selected as Manitoba’s Aboriginal Athlete of the Year.

Trey was playing for the SRSS Sabres when they won the MHSAA Championship last season (Photo credit: Joy Friesen).

“I can’t even explain this feeling,” he remarks, “honestly it means a lot.”

According to Friesen’s mother, Joy, her son had been born with a stroke and was initially paralyzed on his right side which makes his rise to this level of athleticism all the more impressive.

To Friesen however, his involvement in sports is less about being impressive and more about doing what he loves: “I fell in love with track and field a few years ago and I’m still doing it today.”

Friesen has gone to nationals for track in Ottawa, and then again in Manitoba where he came fifth in the 400-metre hurdles. He also aided the SRSS Sabres in winning the MHSAA boys soccer championship this past season. Together, this collection of accomplishments contributed towards his receiving of this award.

Friesen will be officially presented the Manitoba Aboriginal Athlete Award on April 13th at a ceremony where various athletes across the province will be recognized for their notable achievements.