Sideline Stories: Jo Dill, Retired Coordinator, Maine Senior Games

Jo Dill Retires as the Coordinator of the Maine Senior Games

This reflection was shared by Deb Smith, Maine Senior Games Board Chair, longtime friend of Jo’s and basketball teammate.

After 14 years as the Maine Senior Games Coordinator, Jo retired on December 31, 2022. When Jo began this job 14 years ago she was an employee of the Southern Maine Area on Aging (SMAA) working out of their Scarborough office. During the early stages of the pandemic the Games Coordinator position was eliminated from SMAA. This was a call to action Jo embraced as she worked with the Board of Directors to form a 501(c)3 non-profit to ensure that the Maine Senior Games would continue.

After graduating from UMPI, Jo taught physical education for 35 years and was the Executive Director of the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance for 14 years. Becoming the Maine Senior Games Coordinator was a natural fit for Jo.

During Jo’s leadership at the Maine Senior Games, she has worked tirelessly to organize, coordinate, and promote the games for men and women age 50+.  She has expanded the games beyond Greater Portland to Waterville, Augusta, Bangor, Bridgton and Leeds.  Jo has connected with more than 700 athletes during their competitions and has created relationships that go far beyond the actual competition each summer.

Jo plays basketball for the Maine Pioneers Senior Women’s basketball team.  She competes in Maine and has gone to numerous National Senior Games Basketball Tournaments.  She will tell you that playing on this basketball team is one of the highlights of her life!  When Jo was in school, teams for girls didn’t exist. Getting connected to playing basketball later in life led Jo to get involved in the National Girls and Women in Sports Committee in Maine and to promote opportunities for girls.

Athletes, volunteers, and sponsors will have an opportunity to honor Jo at the Maine Senior Games Celebration of Athletes in June of 2023.  We acknowledge all that Jo has accomplished as the leader of the Maine Senior Games and are appreciative of her dedication to this organization and all of the athletes.