The Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau received a $150,000 grant from the Great Lakes Sports Commission to support the renovation of the I-500 Snowmobile Track. The grant was presented at a ceremony held on April 28 at Kewadin Casino’s Woodlands Room.
The presentation was attended by members of the Great Lakes Sports Commission, Senator John Damoose, and other local stakeholders. The purpose of the presentation was to showcase the planned renovations to the I-500 Snowmobile Track and to celebrate the grant award.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for the $150,000 grant that you have awarded to our organization,” said Linda Hoath, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This funding will help us to make significant improvements to the I-500 Snowmobile Track, making it more attractive for visitors and events, and boosting tourism in our region.”
The I-500 Snowmobile Track is home to one of the most significant snowmobile racing events in North America and has been held in Sault Ste. Marie for over 50 years. The event attracts thousands of spectators and participants each year, generating significant economic impact for the local community and the state of Michigan.
The grant from the Great Lakes Sports Commission will support the Sault CVB’s fundraising efforts to receive a $2.5 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the renovation of the I-500 Track so the track is useable year-round and improved for the I-500 Snowmobile Race. The Sault CVB must raise $500,000 in funds to access the full EDA grant.
The renovation plans include modernizing the track to make it more competitive and attractive for events, improving the visitor experience, and making the track more environmentally sustainable.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners, the Great Lakes Sports Commission, and look forward to the continued growth of the I-500 Snowmobile Track,” said Hoath.
For more information on the I-500 Snowmobile Track renovation project and upcoming events, please visit the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website at www.saultstemarie.com.