Faith: The Competitive Edge

Seniors, students, veterans, clergy, and employees of the Archdiocese of New York receive a $5 discount on tickets with valid ID. Please contact our box office at info@sheencenter.org or call (212) 219-3132 for more information and to purchase tickets.

 Ben Garland is a former NFL player and Air Force Academy graduate known for his tireless work ethic and dedication to service. He has been recognized for his achievements both on and off the field, having been nominated for the Walter Payton NFL "Man of the Year Award" twice and the Byron "Whizzer" White "Man of the Year" Award five times, as selected by his teammates.

Garland played for the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and Atlanta Falcons, contributing to the success of all three teams as they reached the Super Bowl. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Garland is deeply passionate about working with great people who share his values. He takes pride in being a part of elite and championship teams and has found that his success is often the result of collaborating with others who are equally driven and motivated.

Garland is also a member of the NFLPA Players Inc Advisory Committee, where he works to help promote and protect the interests of professional football players. In addition to his work with the NFLPA, Garland serves as the CEO of Wingman63, is a partner in Valhalla Capital. He is also a Major in the Air National Guard and the founder of the Wingman63 Foundation, a non-profit that supports veterans, youth initiatives and mental health.

Garland's dedication to excellence both on and off the field make him an inspiration to those around him. His tireless work ethic and commitment to service are a testament to his character and leadership, and his passion for working with good people has allowed him to achieve great things in all aspects of his life.

1988 US Olympian (Track & Field), and media professional, Leslie Maxie, began her media career as a reporter. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports, including Jesse Owens, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Serena Williams, Barry Bonds, and Mike Tyson. Today, Maxie is the Principal/Founder of Maxie Media Group (MMG), a company that provides training and crisis communications to several influential clients and corporations. Maxie has built a dynamic business, designing strategic campaigns to help thought- leaders, Fortune 100 businesses, and individual influencers identify and achieve their media goals. More than being a media powerhouse, Leslie is most proud of her role as mom to Daughter Andrea (28), son Nicholas (26), and wife to attorney and award-winning photographer Phillip Dowdell. 

Inspired by the Vatican’s Sport at the Service of Humanity movement, Faith: The Competitive Edge was launched at The Sheen Center in May 2022. Previous guests included NHL Hall of Famer, Pat LaFontaine and MLB Hall of Famer, Mike Piazza, and Lonnie Ali, widow of late boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

Sport at the Service of Humanity (SSH) is a global movement dedicated to promoting the positive values of ALL faith and sport to unite communities, inspire youth, and better serve humanity. Sport at the Service of Humanity was launched in October 2016 when the Pontifical Council for Culture hosted the first global conference on Faith & Sport at the Vatican. This gathering brought together global thought leaders and influencers from different religions, sports organizations, and businesses to discuss how faith and sport could work together for the betterment of the world.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Sheen Center for this event. Please read the following important pre-show information before your arrival.

• Meet & Greet ticket holders: Please enter the theater at 309 Elizabeth Street. Doors will open approximately one half-hour prior to showtime.
• General Admission ticket holders: Please enter the Loreto Theater lobby at 18 Bleecker Street. Doors will open approximately one half-hour prior to showtime.
• Please have your ticket/reservation confirmation available and ready to be checked/scanned.
• If you require assistance entering the building, please call the box office at (212) 219-3132 ahead of your arrival to inform the customer service representative about the accommodation you require. Please provide your full name and mobile phone number.
• Please arrive early to be seated. Tickets become void five minutes before the event; unclaimed seats will be opened to non-ticketed individuals. Once tickets expire, open seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis at the discretion of the Sheen Center.