University of New England

UNE sponsors shark tournament benefiting local childen and the poor

BIDDEFORD - The University of New England is once again a sponsor of the Downeast Maine Shark Tournament, first established in 2004. The fundraising event is scheduled for Friday, August 24 and Saturday, August 25, 2007.

All net proceeds raised in the Downeast Maine Shark Tournament will go directly to the United Way of York County. The donated money will be used specifically for children and their families living in southern Maine who are in need. All edible sharks not wanted by the entrants will be fully processed by volunteers from Saco Bay Tackle and the shark meat donated for consumption at area food pantries. Last year, 39 teams entered the contest. Anyone who breaks the Maine state shark record for mako, porbeagle, thresher or blue sharks will win $10,000. Other prizes and money will also be awarded.

Caught sharks will be weighed at Camp Ellis Pier in Saco from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 24 and from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 25. The public is invited to the weigh-ins where they will have the opportunity to learn about sharks from shark biologists who will be studying each shark weighed in.

The entry fee for the tournament is $300 per boat, which includes two tickets to the kickoff Captains Dinner on Thursday, August 23 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Saco Bay Tackle Company on Route 1 in Saco.

For more information, including entry forms, rules and prize structure, or directions to Camp Ellis Pier in Saco, visit www.mainesharktournament.com.

(Press release posted July 20, 2007)