The Super Bowl festivities continue in San Francisco with a block party taking place in the city’s historic Chinatown. The block party brought thousands of people to Chinatown to not only celebrate Super Bowl week, but to recognize sports greats in the AAPI community. The event was similar to previous night markets, bringing a good mixture of food, music, and entertainment; but the atmosphere is different, with the Super Bowl just days away. “It’s bringing a lot of people from the east coast over here, more money that the city needs right now,” Nicohole Elizald from the East Bay said.Elizald and Alicia Romero believe events like this and throughout the city this week will benefit from the crowds coming to the Bay Area for Super Bowl Sunday. “It’s bringing all types of people to the city. We having a party everywhere [in the] Bay Area,” Romero said. And the event also recognized some of the biggest names in AAPI sports history, including Olympic Kristi Yamguchi.“It’s a really proud moment to celebrate all the AAPI people in sport,” Yamguchi said.Golden State Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase and San Francisco 49ers Legend Jesse Sapolu were also recognized at the event for their impact on their respective sports and setting an example for future AAPI athletes. “We understand Asian representation matters but, if I have a winning legacy, that puts eyes on the decision makers,” Nakase said. “We progressed because we understood hard work. Carry yourself off the field is important in our culture,” Sapolu said. As for these legendary athletes picking a winner for this Sunday’s Super Bowl, they’re keeping it neutral. “I’m going to be there, I’m going to support, I just want a competitive game because I’m loyal to the 49ers!” Nakase said. With more than half a million people expected to arrive in the Bay Area for Super Bowl week, the event organizers hope they’ll make the trip to visit Chinatown. ...read more read less