Volunteer and Spirit of the Games Awards
Maine Senior Games would like to acknowledge all of the athletes, volunteers, and supporters who help make Maine Senior Games successful. We would like to honor and acknowledged those individuals who have gone above and beyond in their athleticism and support for the games.
Claudia Lackee Volunteer of the Year Award
The Maine Senior Games is proud to announce that our Volunteer of the Year Award will now be known as the Claudia Lackee Volunteer of the Year Award, in honor of the late Claudia Lackee, a beloved and tireless supporter of the Maine Senior Games.
Claudia was a cornerstone of our volunteers and embodies the spirit of service and commitment to the Maine Senior Games. She was the first person that most athletes saw and spoke with at registration. The cycling event in Brunswick was the last event that Claudia attended.
Renaming this award is a small but heartfelt way to recognize Claudia’s incredible contributions and ensure her legacy lives on. Each year, this award will honor a volunteer who, like Claudia, gives selflessly of their time and energy to make the Maine Senior Games a success.
Sue Schenning, Claudia Lackee Volunteer of the Year
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Maine Senior Games and the award, named in honor of Claudia Lackee, is the gold standard of volunteering with the Maine Senior Games.
Claudia was a beloved and tireless supporter of the MSG being one of the first people most athletes saw at registration over the years. You could always count on Claudia to show up and lend a hand. Our recipient from season 2025 is also one of those kinds of people. She has helped out at numerous MSG events over the years from Basketball to Pickleball and of course contributes not only with her time but also her talents as a graphic designer. The sport posters that many of you have commented on are designed by Sue to help promote the games and encourage more people to get involved with what we do. She has also designed several items for promotion and fundraising purposes. Congratulations to Sue Schenning, an athlete, a supporter of the Maine Senior Games, and our 2025 Claudia Lackee Volunteer of the Year!
2024 – Frank & Nancy Yocono
2023 – Robin Kessler
2022 – Carolyn Clark
2021 – Nancy Fortin
2018 – Pete Gleason
2017 – Beverly MacLean & Gloria Perry
2016 – Dot Lee
2015 – Ann Babbit
2014 – Claudia Lackee
Jo Dill Spirit of the Games Award
The Maine Senior Games board of directors have created the Jo Dill Spirit of the Games Award in honor of Jocelyn Dill. Presented annually at the Maine Senior Games Celebration of Athletes starting in 2024, this award will be for an individual who most embodies the spirit of the Maine Senior Games and demonstrates the qualities Jo exhibited throughout her tenure as the Games Coordinator. These qualities include participation, engagement, enthusiasm, inclusivity, sportsmanship, dedication, perseverance, joy, leadership, community, and camaraderie.
Jo we are so appreciative of the work that you have done to keep the flame burning for the Maine Senior Games. You have been a great ambassador and role model for Game Coordinators in the Northeast and you and your work have been recognized at the National Senior Games.
2026 – Richelle Sipiora
The Jo Dill Spirit of the Games Award goes to Richelle Siporia. It was not a hard decision to nominate Richelle for the award when you think about the way she conducts herself on a daily basis. Richelle is a great competitor in the Road Races and Track & Field, always giving her best effort every time she steps up to the line or gets into the circle. However, it’s what she does with her down time that impressed us. Richelle makes an effort to actively support other athletes from Maine whether it be volunteering to be a course marshal at the Cycling Races at Brunswick Landing or going out of her way to go see fellow Maine athletes at Nationals to cheer them on – and this has happened at several National Games. Most recently, Richelle has been organizing a group of women Powerlifters to be ready to compete in the Maine Senior Games first Powerlifting competition this August in Scarborough. Her joy of competition and caring attitude towards others comes through loud and clear. In Richelle’s words: “I love to compete but I really enjoy the whole vibe of the events. I have made some good friends from being involved in the Senior Games and have many fond memories of watching others participate too – especially other athletes from New England.” She has been a practicing physical therapist for 43 years and volunteers at Bowdoin College for Cross Country and Track meets as a horizontal jumps judge for over a dozen years. Richelle believes senior athletes are capable of doing extraordinary things. She likes to tell her patients that she has never seen a “Best By” date stamped on the bottom of anyone’s foot. Congratulations Richelle for being our Spirit of the Games Award Winner!
Previous Jo Dill Spirit of the Games Award Winners
2025 – Jack Ginty
Jack Ginty is the 2025 winner of the Jo Dill Spirit of the Games Award for living the qualities of the award daily. Jack is a Cyclist, who since 2013 has been on the podium for the 20- or 40-kilometer road race events numerous times.
Nominated by one of his fellow cyclists: “Jack’s competitive attitude coupled with his sincere enjoyment of the Senior Games organization, the venue, and his competition has made the event just plain fun. Some people simply and comfortably share their enthusiasm and good sportsmanship while leaving no doubt they are racing to win. Jack is that person. Truly a man for all seasons and one that I feel embodies the core values of the Senior Games here in a state he loves – Maine”
Jack trains 3 plus times a week and fills the rainy days with rowing. While he’s enjoyed running, rowing, x-country skiing, and tennis, his passion for biking has always been foremost on the list. Fifty plus years ago he rode his bike with one child in a seat in the front, and another in a seat in the back. One of his sons is an avid cyclist today, as is a grandson.
When Jack heard about the Senior Games, he signed up and it was a perfect match. “I went to race and found a community of like-minded people. It has afforded me the opportunity to meet and make many friends and acquaintances through biking both on the state and national level. I continue to ride several days a week with two very close friends that I met while racing. Now at 85+ I am still in the game, win or lose. I expect to go until I can’t.” Congratulations Jack on being the Spirit of the Games Award Winner for 2025!
2024 – William, Bill Preis, Jr.
Bill is the first recipient of this new award, named in honor of longtime coordinator, Jo Dill. This award highlights people who show enthusiasm, sportsmanship, dedication, joy, and leadership in the world of the Maine Senior Games. Bill has been a driving force behind Maine Senior Games Table Tennis. He works to publicize the event by writing articles, taking photos, and encouraging people to come out and play. He has found a home for the sport at the Bridgton Recreation Center where he hosts weekly play days and is the first one there to set up on MSG tournament day. Along with his own play and enthusiasm for Table Tennis, Bill does a great job of promoting the sport to all. Keep up the great work!
