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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. Recently Maine hosted “Tough Mudder,” an event of 15,000 extreme competitors, and we’re excited to welcome bowling enthusiasts from around the country to the three-day Professional Bowlers Association league championship tournament in 2015. 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. 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 is a very attractive destination to show- case the best bowlers in the world and we are pleased by the interest of Maine businesses to bring the PBA here.” — Tom Clark, PBA Commissioner

US National Toboggan Championships Feb 6-8, Camden Maine Pond Hockey Classic Feb 6-8, China Lake Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby Feb 14-15, Sebago Lake Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races Feb 28, Fort Kent PBA Bowling Mar 27-29, Portland USA Ultimate Northeastern HS Championships May 16-17, South Portland Sugarloaf Marathon May 17, Carrabassett Valley Rhino Lacrosse Jun 26-28, South Portland The Color Run Jun 28, South Portland New England Forest Rally Jul 17-18, Newry TD Beach to Beacon 10K Aug 1, Cape Elizabeth REV3 Triathlon Aug 30, Old Orchard Beach Tough Mudder SMALL SAMPLING OF UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS IN MAINE

Sep 26-27, Westbrook Icebreaker Tournament Oct 9-10, Portland The Dempsey Challenge Oct 17-18, Lewiston/Auburn North American Wife Carrying Championship Mid-Oct, Newry Santa Hustle Late Nov, South Portland

Photos on right: top Left – courtesy Maine Sports Commission; top right – Robert Witkowski; middle – Bethany Towne; bottom left– courtesy Maine Red Claws; bottom right – Christopher Riccardo

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