Sebago Lakes Chamber to host tech adventure this fall - By Michelle Libby

After several events that ran their course, the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce has planned a high tech adventure race called The Amazing Chase. A takeoff of the CBS show The Amazing Race, this event will use a company called Smart Hunt to create a fun interactive event that will be great for athletes and non-athletes alike. 
 

“This will put a spotlight on the region and add value to our community. The goal is for this to be the signature event of the region,” said chamber executive director Aimee Senatore. 

The event is a destination adventure type of event and the committee working on the logistics is marketing to people outside of the region in addition to local businesses and companies. Teams of four are encouraged to come experience and learn about the region and then come back to vacation, said Senatore. 

“It’s the adventure of a lifetime,” she added. There have been corporate events like this in the area, but it has never involved cars and been open to the public. 

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce covers 10 communities and works with local entities to “constantly promote the region and recommend our businesses to visitors through special events, trade publications, information centers, the Internet, and by phone and mail. We are also a collective voice for local business in municipal and government affairs. We are engaged in economic development and legislative issues that affect the quality of life and the business climate in our region,” according to the chamber website. 

The race events haven’t been finalized at this time, but they will be competitive, said Senatore.

Each team will drive to challenges and will do interactive tasks on the provided iPad. The goal is to gain the most points in the four hour time frame and arrive back at the Wyndham Hotel in Windham before noon. “The level of difficulty increases the points,” said Senatore. “There are lots of ways teams can approach the game. Teams choose strategies which adds a level of surprise. No one is required to do any one thing.” 

Challenges can vary from kayaking, relay races or singing a popular song at the top of a hill. There will also be local trivia questions. 

Smart Hunt out of Massachusetts has access to all of the teams during the competition and can send roadblocks or extra challenges. The event happens in real time for the coordinators so they can keep the pulse of the event, where teams are and which events are more popular. They will also have access to the pictures and videos on the iPad and GoPros that will be used. 

There will be an after party for all of the teams, including prizes for the top three teams and drawings for amazing prizes. 

Teams will also be asked to crowdfund for the chamber’s 501(c)3 arm Feed the Need, which raises money for the area’s 13 food pantries. 

“It’s a team building event like no other. See the scenic beauty of the area like never before,” said Senatore. 

Major sponsors for the event are Sabre Yachts and Clark Insurance. 

The race will be Saturday, September 24, 2016. Registration opens on April 15 and early bird registration ends August 1. Early birds will be registered for extra incentives. The committee is still looking for sponsorship opportunities and in kind as well as cash level sponsors. 

Teams and sponsors can register or get more information at www.amazingchasesebago.com, on Facebook, by email at asenatore@sebagolakeschamber.com or phone at 207.892.8265 .