Rangeley to host The Black Fly Martial Arts Tournament

The Foundry Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will host the second Annual “Black Fly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship” at Rangeley Lakes Regional School on Saturday, June 13.

Twenty young Rangeley martial artists will test their skills in front of a hometown crowd against challengers from all over the state.

This tournament is the first and only of its kind in the state of Maine just for kids.

The tourney will be using the official rules of the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation.

“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been the fastest growing martial art in the world for the last 20 years,” tournament director and Foundry Rangeley Kids instructor Shawn Smith said. “It has proven to be the single most effective for self-defense, and it is absolutely thriving here in Maine and in Rangeley. I am 100 percent committed to giving Maine’s young Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students a chance to showcase their skills in their home state and making ‘The Black Fly’ the premiere martial arts event in Maine. Last year, we had 49 kids. This year I want 80 and everything is in place to hit that target.”

Last year, 49 competitors ages 5-16, from five different academies competed at the first event, traveling from Portland, Bangor, Manchester and Topsham. The “Foundry” Kids” won gold in 21 of the of the 30 divisions. This year, 20academies were invited from Maine, Hampshire and Vermont, and 10 are confirmed. All of last year’s schools are returning, along with new challengers from Winslow, Brunswick and Pittsfield.

The action begins at 11 a.m. at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School gymnasium. Admission is $3.

L/A Fighting Spirit to announce their game schedule

LEWISTON — The owners and staff of the L/A Fighting Spirit would like to invite the public to a special get-together announcing the team’s 2015-2016 game schedule. The team will also discuss the new non-profit youth hockey organization directly affiliated with the L/A Fighting Spirit, the JR. Fighting Spirit as well as “Spirit Weekend” and the preseason schedule.

Please join us 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 2 in the Baxter Lounge of the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for light refreshments and the opportunity to meet the owner/head coach and team staff.