WEST FARGO – Imagine you're a teenager playing a high school game on Christmas Day or Easter Sunday. That likely wouldn't happen, but for those players celebrating an important Muslim holiday, it's what would've taken place before a move by the school district.
Related: In a first, area high school game postponed for Muslim holiday
Muslim families across Fargo-Moorhead applauded the West Fargo School District's decision to postpone a soccer game with Shanley becaused of the Eid al-Adha holiday, a family-centered celebration similar to Christmas or Easter.
Because nearly half the boys soccer team is Muslim, and the Eid holiday fell on game night, players like forward Ahmed Ahmed were torn.
"I didn't even know what to do, because I have a game at the same time and I have family," Ahmed said.
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West Fargo goalie Ben Spaeth said a mixture of cultures makes up the team and that the district's change was "a good decision."
That decision to postpone Thursday night's game in honor and respect of the players and their religion clearly made an impact on Ahmed.
"That is the best, man!" Ahmed said.
Word of the postponed game spread throughout the Islamic Center and Muslim leaders are impressed.
"It is heartwarming and to see how we can live together and respect each other," Dr. Mohamed Sanaullah said.
It was a big game, but students in the community say the signal sent and the lessons learned are much bigger than that.
The game between Shanley and West Fargo will be played on Oct. 8.
