Maine Sports Commission awards more than $25,000 to nine Maine sporting events

The Maine Sports Commission has awarded $26,138 through its Spring 2026 Event Support Grant Program to nine sporting events taking place across six regions of the state.

Awards range from $1,500 to $5,000. Organizers can use the grants for paid advertising, public and media relations, website improvements, photography, video production and other marketing assets.

The Spring 2026 recipients are:

• Breakaway Swim, hosted by Bangor Region YMCA
• Firebird Trail Races, hosted by The Grind Running Company
• IRONMAN 70.3 Maine, hosted by IRONMAN and the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Maine Pond Hockey Classic, hosted by the Alfond Youth & Community Center
• Nordic Trail Festival, hosted by Northern Maine Community Trails
• Sawdust Pit MX Championship Series, hosted by North Star Motor Sports, Inc.
• Skijor Skowhegan, hosted by Main Street Skowhegan
• Unified 5K, hosted by AdaptX and Adaptive Outdoor Education Center
• Westbrook Education Foundation’s Charity Disc Golf Tournament, hosted by the Westbrook Education Foundation

“Sporting events bring visitors into communities, support local businesses and help showcase Maine as a four-season destination,” said Sheila Brennan Nee, Strategic Director of the Maine Sports Commission. “These grants give event organizers additional tools to reach new audiences and build on their success.”

Recent events demonstrate the economic value of sports tourism. IRONMAN 70.3 Maine generated a record $7.3 million in economic impact in 2025.

“That impact is felt directly throughout our local communities by supporting small businesses, strengthening the hospitality industry and positioning our region as a unique driver of sports tourism in the state,” said Katie Doherty, President and CEO of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The 2026 Maine Pond Hockey Classic attracted players and spectators from more than 15 states, and about 65% of registered players came from outside Maine. The event generated nearly $800,000 in economic impact from visitor spending.

“The support of the Maine Sports Commission has been instrumental in helping the Maine Pond Hockey Classic grow into a premier winter sports tourism event for Central Maine,” said Patrick Guerette, Chief Operating Officer of the Alfond Youth & Community Center and founder and tournament director of the event.

The Maine Sports Commission plans to open another application round later this year. The commission will announce the application period through its newsletter and social media channels.