Sports in brief . . .

Take it outside
    The Maine Department of Conservation and the Maine Recreation and Park Association are hosting a series of outdoor recreation events this winter under the banner of Governor Baldacci’s Take It Outside initiative. The first program will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19 at Aroostook State Park.     Activities on offer will include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sliding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and natural history exploration. There will be complimentary hot beverages and a warming hut. Registration is $5 per person and closes on Thursday, Jan. 17.
Adult ski nights offered
    The Maine Winter Sports Center has announced plans to offer adult ski nights in Presque Isle, Caribou and Fort Kent throughout the winter. The one-hour sessions will include an introduction to the sport of cross country skiing, basic technique and training tips, and will be conducted by an MWSC coach. The sessions are free, and skiers of all ability levels are encouraged to attend.
    The schedule is as follows: Tuesdays at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 15th; Wednesdays at the Caribou High School Ski Center in Caribou from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 16th, and; Thursdays at the 10th Mountain Center in Fort Kent from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 10th. The programs will continue until the snow melts.
    For more information about this program, please contact Mark Shea at (207) 227-7465 or mark@mainewsc.org.
UMPI events
    The following sport event will take place at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
    On Friday, Jan. 25 there will be a law enforcement versus students basketball game in Wieden gymnasium at 7 p.m. Criminal justice students will take on local and state police officers. Admission is $3.
    Climbing nights will be offered now through May at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Climbing nights will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 4th, Mar. 3rd, Apr. 7th and May 5th. No experience is required. Please wear something comfortable to move in (no shorts permitted). There is no cost for members. $10 fee for non-members. Contact Amanda Morin for more information at Amanda.morin@umpi.maine.edu
Maine Winter Sports Center announcements
    On Sunday, Jan. 27th the New Sweden Ski Dag, an eight km classic race will be held at New Sweden School trails. For more information, contact Ernie Easter at eeaster@mlti.org.
    From now through March, ski free Wednesdays will be offered at Big Rock from 4 to 9 p.m. Evenings will include free skiing, a free half hour lesson and $10 rentals. For more information, visit www.bigrockmaine.com.
Quoggy Jo ski lessons
    Quoggy Jo Ski Center is offering free lift tickets and half price rentals to elementary students from Washburn and Caribou on Saturday, Jan. 26. Ski lessons are offered at no charge. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 764-3248 or 764-3016.
Maine Handicapped Skiing
    Sunday River will hold their annual ski-a-thon on Saturday, March 29th in conjunction with Maine Handicapped Skiing organization to raise funds for the program.
    To register a team or join an existing team , call 1-800-639-7770 or visit www.skimhs.org.
Motorcycle Rider Education
    The Motorcycle Rider Education course will be offered in April, but registration s began on Jan. 15.
    The 20-hour class is based on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation hands-on curriculum.     Those completing the course by obtaining an 80 percent or above on the knowledge test, with 20 or less points on a skill evaluation will receive a motorcycle driver’s license endorsement. Motorcycles are supplied for the three-week course.
    To register or for more information, call 532-6505 after 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.