A new basketball tournament that spans the U.S.-Canada border is set to debut in Aroostook County this summer, offering young athletes a chance to compete while building friendships across the international line.
A Cross‑Border Basketball Celebration
From July 24‑25, five boys’ high school teams from northern Maine will face five counterparts from the Canadian Maritime provinces, while three middle‑school girls’ teams from Maine will play against squads from New Brunswick. The games will be held at Fort Fairfield High School, the Fort Fairfield Community Center, and the University of Maine‑Presque Isle, creating a vibrant showcase of talent and sportsmanship.
Organizers have assembled a diverse lineup of opponents, including teams from Carleton County, Fredericton, St. Stephen, Saint John, Moncton, and Yarmouth in New Brunswick, as well as from the Florenceville/Woodstock area. Maine’s high school boys teams — Caribou, Calais, Fort Kent, Madawaska, and Fort Fairfield — will meet their Canadian rivals on the court, with the top two finishers in each division advancing to semifinals and a championship game.
Funding and Community Support
The Maine Office of Tourism has contributed a $18,750 grant to help finance the event, with the Eastern Maine Development Corporation serving as the fiscal agent. Lee Umphrey, president and CEO of EMDC, explained that the funding reflects the tournament’s tourism value, its role in strengthening ties with Canada, and its potential economic impact on the region.
Larry Gardner, tournament director and former Fort Fairfield High School coach, said the idea originated with Thomas "Skip" Chappelle, a Maine Basketball Hall of Fame inductee who recalled the CANUSA Games of the 1960s. Gardner emphasized that the tournament’s core mission is to use basketball as a vehicle for camaraderie, cultural exchange, and memorable experiences for the participants.
Looking Ahead
While the inaugural edition focuses on boys’ high school and middle‑school girls teams, plans are already underway to add high‑school girls competition in future years. The organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition that not only highlights athletic prowess but also reinforces the long‑standing relationship between Maine and New Brunswick, echoing Governor Janet Mills’ outreach efforts across the border.