This weekend, Erie will serve as the host city for the World Ninja League Midwest Regional Championship and the United States Canine Scent Sports Trial.
The action begins Friday with the 2025 World Ninja League Midwest Regional Championship taking place through Sunday at Sinai Sports. The event will welcome nearly 500 participants from Western New York, Ohio, Michigan, West Virgina, Pennsylvania and Canada, with competitors ranging in age from six to over 40. To learn more and see the full schedule, click here.
The competition begins on Friday at noon, with the elite division taking place at 5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, events start at 8 a.m., concluding at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday. Spectator tickets are $5 at the door.
“We're excited to host the World Ninja League Midwest Regional Championships for the second time in Erie,” said Steve Dvoranchik, owner of Sinai Sports. “The best part about hosting the event is seeing the participants completing the obstacles, cheering, hitting the buzzer and getting excited. It’s a wonderful and supportive community that I am proud to be a part of.”
Also taking place Sunday at the Fairview Township Building is the United States Canine Scent Sports Trial, hosted by Groovy Pooch. The trial will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature 30 dogs competing, with some traveling from Ohio and New York.
Scentwork challenges dogs to sniff out scents like birch, anise, and clove in various settings, guided by their handlers.
