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SPORTS.

From the mountains to the sea, Maine sports venues have played host to youth, amateur, national, international, university-level, and professional-level sports. Two years in a row Maine scored a winning goal as host of the Region 1 Soccer Championship Tournament; teams from Virginia to New England delighted in the comfortable climate Maine offered their players and the many activities available to their families . Welcome to Maine . Maine and sports—it’s a natural fit. With its diversity of terrain and changing climate, Maine is a destination fortunate to have an array of distinct, unique four-season sports activities. Maine has the space to hold large competitions and the services to ensure they run smoothly. From marathons & triathlons, to cycling and golf, to motor sports, sailing regattas and much more, the state’s natural resources allow for the widest range of sporting events. And the Maine Sports Commission will help assist existing events increase their reach and operational capacity by sharing knowledge and best practices from other organizations that have successfully held their events here. While visiting, your delegates may want to catch one of the region’s semi-pro teams in a home game. Consider taking a family member or corporate client to cheer on the Red Claws, Portland’s basketball affiliate of the Boston Celtics. Or bring a group to the bleachers of Hadlock Field to take in a Portland Sea Dogs game and watch the Red Sox AA affiliate as they “play ball!” Greater Portland is geared up for the excitement of organized sports and our convention team is eager to help you navigate the logistics of hosting a major league event in Maine. From skiing and skating, to dance and cheerleading competitions, to field sports – even beach volleyball – Maine has the resources to make your sporting event a slam dunk. “ Maine’s bid stood out because of the excellent competitive venue within close proximity to major cities and airports, a robust volunteer base and favorable weather.” — Andy Lee, USA Ultimate

US National Toboggan Championships Feb 7-8, Camden Maine Pond Hockey Classic February 7-9, China Lake Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby Feb 15-16, Sebago Lake Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races Feb 28-Mar 4, Fort Kent NCAA DIII Men’s Ice Hockey Championships Mar 21-22, Lewiston USA Ultimate Northeastern HS Championships May 10-11, South Portland Sugarloaf Marathon May 18, Carrabassett Valley Untamed NE Adventure Race Jun 17-22, The Forks The Color Run Jun 22, South Portland New England Forest Rally Jul 18-19, Newry TD Beach to Beacon 10K Aug 2, Cape Elizabeth Shipyard Cup Aug 7-10, Boothbay Harbor Senior League World Series Aug 9-16, Bangor REV3 Triathlon Aug 24, Old Orchard Beach The Dempsey Challenge Sep 27-28, Lewiston/Auburn Lobsterman Triathlon Sep 6, Freeport Maine Madness Roller Derby Battle Early Sep, Portland Wife Carrying Contest Mid-Oct, Newry SMALL SAMPLING OF UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS IN MAINE Dressage Forum May 24-25, Pineland Farms

Photos on right: top left – courtesy Sunday River; top right – Patrick McCarthy, courtesy Maine Sports Commission; bottom – MS Regatta, photo Tim Greenway

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