Winnipeg's top athletes and biggest sports fanatics came together in downtown Winnipeg Sunday night.

The annual Pro Sports and Faith Night was finally back in person after running virtually for the past two years due to the pandemic. The event is held each fall in support of Lorne Korol, who is the chaplain to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Jets, and Manitoba Moose. Korol is a missionary with Athletes In Action and is responsible for raising 100 per cent of his salary and work expenses.

The event not only helps Korol raise financial support but gives fans a front-row seat to hear about the importance of faith in the lives of stars like Mark Scheifele and Willie Jefferson.

Scheifele is the chapel leader for the Jets and Korol shared how he's seen the Jets centre's spiritual life grow since taking on the role. Scheifele says that the chapel has given the players who attend a chance to come together in a safe place to share openly and honestly about personal matters. 

Jets owner Mark Chipman praised Korol's work, noting that the chaplain not only pours into the lives of athletes but also cares for the office staff of both True North and the Blue Bombers.

Over a dozen Bombers players and staff were in attendance and many of the players touched on the fact that the chapel program has been a major factor in the back-to-back Grey Cup championship seasons. Players like Willie Jefferson spoke on the importance of investing in friends' spiritual lives as well as encouraging them to attend Bible studies or church.

Korol's wife, Heather, also holds a Bible study for the wives of players. Together the Korols open up their homes as well for celebrations and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

A live auction at the end of the evening saw people bidding on once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as watching a Jets game from the press box, and hosting Bombers players and spouses for gourmet meals prepared by master chefs in their own homes.

There's still a chance to support Korol's ministry by bidding in an online auction. You can win amazing original artwork, a winter staycation at Westhawk Lake, several golf packages, and even flowers for a year! Bidding ends at 7:30 p.m. CDT on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. CLICK HERE TO BID.