Maine Sports Commission’s Board of Directors Adds Patrick Caron and Jeff McCabe

The Maine Sports Commission’s Board of Directors have announced the addition of Patrick Caron and Jeff McCabe, who both join the board on a three-year term.

Caron, based out of Mount Desert Island, is the founder of Move Free, an international outdoor brand. McCabe is the director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation.

“Patrick and Jeff each have a breadth and depth of experience in sports participation and event management that will bring valuable perspective to the board and boost our efforts to attract more events to Maine communities statewide,” said Sheila Brennan Nee, strategic director of the Maine Sports Commission.

Caron launched the Move Free Run Club, which brings runners together. Move Free also curates and hosts running retreats around the region. In addition to competing professionally in events around the world, Caron has worked closely with numerous running clubs and event organizers. McCabe has worked for more than 20 years in Maine’s outdoor economy and is a registered Maine Recreational and Whitewater Guide. McCabe also served for eight years in the Maine House of Representatives.

“The Maine Sports Commission plays an important role in showcasing our state as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts worldwide,” said Jo Williams, a founding member of Maine Sports Commission’s Board of Directors. “By promoting our diverse range of sports events, we invite visitors to experience Maine’s natural beauty and discover the blend of adventure and community that makes our state a must-visit location.”

Sporting events contributed an estimated $155.6 million to the Maine economy and attracted approximately 253,071 out-of-state visitors in 2019, according to a study by the University of Southern Maine’s Center for Business and Economic Research.