Our end of season party for the STASFIT and MOTIVE8 groups promises to be a memorable event, celebrating the achievements and dedication of all members throughout the year. This season, we are proud to include a special fundraiser to support a visually impaired paratriathlete, Marina Mears, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and community support. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with camaraderie, recognition, and the shared passion for multi-sport and adaptive training. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help provide vital resources, like a tandem bike, and training opportunities, empowering this athlete to continue pursuing their goals. Join us in celebrating success while making a meaningful impact.

Marina Mears and her Guide

In the first grade, Marina was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition called Stargardt Disease. This disorder causes a build up of vitamin A in the macula and causes irreversible damage to the eye’s photoreceptors which results in a growing blind spot in the central point of vision. Although Marina had been living with vision loss for the majority of her life she has never let it hold her back from achieving her goals. In 2023 she competed in her first half Ironman as the youngest female competitor. Two years later, she went on to win the Physically  Challenged category of her first full Ironman. Now she is pursuing sprint distance Paratriathlon and has made her way onto the USA Junior/U23 Development Team. For each race Marina competes in, she uses a guide on the swim, bike, and run.  Marina and her guide are tethered together on the swim and run, and cycle using a tandem bike.  She’s now pursuing Paratriathlon head on with Andrew Stasinos as her coach, but the only caveat is she doesn’t have a bike!

Please donate to her GoFundMe!