Nearly 200 attend bonding Super Bowl Party at St. Peter’s
Carolina Panthers fans watch as their team takes on the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, Feb. 7.
BY TEVIN STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
Eyes across the nation were glued to their TVs Sunday evening when the Carolina Panthers took on the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. While many watched the game at a bar or restaurant, more than 200 men and young boys made their way to St. Peter’s World Outreach Center (SPWO) for the Father and Son Potluck Super Bowl Party.
The event is designed to cultivate the bond between fathers and their sons while watching the biggest game of the year. Although everyone was asked to bring at least one dish, the event was free and open to the public,
Coordinator of the event, the Rev. Paul Sheff, said the idea for the potluck became a reality in 2012 and has grown every year since. According to Sheff, around 20 people attended the event the first year it was held at a local hotel.
“The event has grown tremendously over the years,” he said. “It has become one of our most anticipated events.” Prior to kickoff, those in attendance enjoyed playing games like ping pong, and cornhole while they made predictions on the outcome of the game. As the time for kickoff drew closer, everyone began to make their way to their seats in front of the giant screen set up inside the administration building on the campus of SPWO.
As the teams took the field, cheers erupted from the dozens of Panthers’ supporters in attendance. Although they lost the game 24-10, Sheff, a proud Panthers’ fan, said the fact that the team made it that far made this year’s game more exciting.
“Not too many teams make it to the Super Bowl with one loss on their record, so this year’s game has a lot of added excitement.” He continued, “I am proud of our home team.”
Sheff said while most look at football as just a game, the life lessons that you can learn while playing is what is most important.
“It’s all about coming together,” he said. “To be successful on the field you have to work together and that is important in all aspects of life, not just when playing sports.”
