AUBURN — Phoenix Academy of Martial Arts is joining forces with Headstrong MMA to raise money for The Sidekick Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps local kids.

The event is called Tough Guys for Kids. If you enjoy watching the UFC and other MMA fights and wondered what it would be like to walk in the fighters’ shoes for a day, this is your chance. Saturday, Jan. 7 at noon you can participate in an actual MMA training session with professional fighters and coaches. No prior training is required.

The cost is only $40, with all proceeds donated to The Sidekick Foundation. Whether you already train in the martial arts or not, this is a fun way to see if you are as tough as your favorite fighter and help local kids in the process. Spectators are also welcome for a $10 admission.

Please call 207-577-1046 or email [email protected] to register. Space is limited.

Skiing seminar at Gould Academy

BETHEL — Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., female cross-country skiing athletes who are competing in the U.S. National Championships in Rumford will be at the Gould Academy field house for the Fast and Female event.

This event is for girls ages 9 to 19 who would like the chance to meet these amazing athletes and hear their inspirational stories. The afternoon will include some team building activities, stories from the athletes, snacks, autographs and a Zumba class with Bethel’s own Patti Truman. If you have a daughter(s) who would like to participate, you may register at http://ffjan7bethel.eventbrite.com.

Cost of the event is $7. Any young female athletes in the area is welcome to participate, and you do not need to be a Nordic skier to enjoy this event!

Additionally, there will be a parent seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. From 1 to 2, the topic will be “Coaching Female Athletes” and >ill include a panel discussion with Becky Woods (Bates College Nordic Ski Coach), Tracey Cote (Colby College Nordic Ski Coach), and Cami Thompson Graves (Dartmouth College Nordic Ski Coach). From 2 to 3, Dick Taylor (former Olympian, U.S. Ski Team Coach, Gould Academy Coach and current author) will talk about “Charting Progress in Young Athletes”. The seminar is free, but parents should register online at the Fast and Female site.

As an added bonus, the Bethel Inn Nordic Center has offered $8 ski passes to any participants and their families for the day.