San Francisco, CA (February 7, 2016) – The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America, along with Al-Maghrib organized an outreach event called “#meetamuslim” to welcome the Super Bowl 50 fans.
Volunteers spent the day welcoming fans with free NFL-approved carry bags and encouraging them to “Meet a Muslim”. Over 30 volunteers were organized in three groups at different locations around the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It was the second time that the Super Bowl was held in the San Francisco Bay area but this was the first time Muslims made such an organized outreach effort.
Inayat Razzack, president of ICNA Bay Area said “our volunteers were well received by the fans who were happy that they got something they really needed at the event”.
Volunteers offered not just gifts but handshakes and hugs as well. Several attendees engaged the volunteers in frank and positive discussions on Islam and Muslims. The volunteers were very excited to have been part of this unique event and have plans to continue such positive efforts to improve the image of Islam and Muslims. "With all the negative information out there right now," said Bilal Ahmad, of Santa Clara, "we are out here just trying to create a positive image."
Over 71 thousand fans attended the 50th anniversary game which was won by Denver Broncos who defeated Carolina Panthers.