Islanders are used to having to exert a bit more effort to accomplish things mainlanders can breeze through without a thought. Whether it’s a marathon ferry-and-car expedition to accomplish a million small chores, or navigating the complex logistics of dinner and a movie, the planning alone can send a less-motivated person directly to the couch for a liedown. To participate in almost any mainland activity requires extra effort and fortitude.
Travis Stearns is one islander who hasn’t let personal limitations and ferry schedules come between him and his goals and dreams. He recently participated in the Special Olympics held at Sugarloaf USA in early February, and came away with not one but three medals as part of MBNA’s Special Olympics Stars of Life team.
Stearns may express astonishment at his stunning showing, but those who know him were anything but surprised. His island-bred determination and personal integrity have made him an admired and respected member of Islesboro’s community. A good word from Travis can brighten up your day and put a smile on your face.
For more than two years, Stearns has been working in support services for MBNA’s Phase Two building at the company’s Belfast complex. He is a diligent worker whose excellent work record and reliability bely the rigors of dealing with ferry commuting. It was through his connection to MBNA that he was able to participate in this winter’s Special Olympics.
Betty Farrow, a friend of Stearns from work, was serving as a coach of MBNA’s Special Olympics team. After watching Olympic events on television, Stearns was inspired to join the team, and Farrow sent him home with a bunch of forms to fill out in order to sign up. He and fellow team members practiced skiing at the Camden Snow Bowl before making the trip to Sugarloaf.
Stearns is an all-around sports enthusiast. He enjoys watching WWF (that’s World Wrestling Federation, not Working Waterfront) wrestling events and is also an active biker and hiker. While in high school (Stearns was a member of Islesboro Central School’s 1994 graduating class), he participated in cross-country running and was a faithful member of the team for several years. Stearns has been downhill skiing since he was a young boy, having learned to ski through programs offered at Sugarloaf. Stearns lives on Islesboro in a house left to him by his grandfather, David Rolerson.
Stearns received a bronze medal in the alpine skiing and giant slalom event, a silver in downhill skiing, and a gold in slalom. Coach Farrow, along with coaches Tom Fraser, Bill Comstock and Tammy Joy, are all extremely proud of Travis as well as the entire team, who managed to win a combined 19 medals, eight of which were gold. Nobody could be more proud than Travis – who, after all, had to brave innumerable ferry crossings before he even began to compete in the Special Olympic events.