Nine Maine sporting events, from pond hockey to trail races, will share more than $25,000 in marketing support from the Maine Sports Commission.
Awards range from $1,500 to $5,000. (Scroll down for the full list of events and organizations.) Organizers can use the grants for paid advertising, public and media relations, website improvements, photography, video production and other marketing efforts.
“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.”
Funding recipients
● Breakaway Swim, hosted by Bangor Region YMCA;
● Firebird Trail Races, hosted by the Grind Running Co;
● IRONMAN 70.3 Maine, hosted by IRONMAN and 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; and
● Charity Disc Golf Tournament, hosted by the Westbrook Education Foundation.
Recent events demonstrate the economic value of sports tourism. In Augusta, for example, the Ironman 70.3 generated a record $7.3 million in economic impact in 2025. This year’s event drew more than 2,400 athletes and thousands of spectators.
The Maine Sports Commission said it will open another funding round later this year.
