Posted on 01/21/2026 4:27:46 AM PST by DFG
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD officials are separating themselves from a nationally organized “Islamic Games” event at Colleyville Heritage High School, per a statement provided to The Dallas Express by GCISD Executive Director of Communications Nicole Lyons.
“This reservation for facility rental was still in negotiation review and not yet finalized. On Jan. 19, GCISD was made aware that an organization listed as a sponsor of the Islamic Games in North Texas has been declared a Terrorist Organization by the Governor of Texas. Texas Government Code §2252.152 states that, ‘[a] governmental entity may not enter into a governmental contract with a company identified as a foreign terrorist organization.’ Thus, GCISD provided notice that it is severing the negotiations for the use of District properties for the 2026 Islamic Games.”
The Islamic Games had been scheduled for May 9 to 10 at Colleyville Heritage High School, planning to take over the school’s entire athletic complex. National organizers had listed the Council on American Islamic Relations-New Jersey among its sponsors, but removed the group from its website after public scrutiny.
As The Dallas Express reported, Gov. Greg Abbott designated CAIR a foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organization, citing its ties to the terror group Hamas.
“Colleyville is a community that welcomes all. That includes any race, religion, or creed. However, we do not support, nor tolerate, those who may have ill intentions to seek and divide,” Colleyville Mayor Bobby Lindamood said to The Dallas Express.
“I was surprised to hear that a controversial group labeled as a terrorist group by Governor Abbott was tied to a planned event at one of our school facilities. I have been informed GCISD has withdrawn approval for this event, and I am relieved,” added Lindamood.
GCISD Board President Shannon Braun told The Dallas Express the law and district policies worked as intended, so trustees did not have to intervene.
“The policies that we have in place, and the law, and all those things worked exactly the way that they’re supposed to. So the board didn’t have to get involved,” she said. “When you bring it to their attention, they went through the process, and the process worked.”
Braun previously told DX that the board was not aware of this event before it became public, and that district officials were reviewing whether the proposed use of public school facilities complied with district policy and Texas law.
Islamic Games Deny CAIR Ties
The event in Colleyville is just one of many across the country under the Islamic Games of North America. Outside Houston, the Islamic Games are scheduled for October 10 to 11 at Bridgeland High School in Cypress.
Organizers disputed claims that CAIR was a sponsor of the event and said the group operates independently.
In a statement to The Dallas Express, Islamic Games President Salaudeen Nausrudeen said CAIR-New Jersey was never a formal sponsor of the Games and described the group’s involvement as limited to a one-time, in-kind contribution several years ago.
“To clarify, CAIR-NJ has never been, and is not currently, a sponsor of the Islamic Games,” Nausrudeen said. “In early 2023, CAIR-NJ provided complimentary drawstring bags that were distributed to athletes in New Jersey. This limited, one-time contribution did not constitute sponsorship, partnership, or any formal affiliation.”
He said the group removed CAIR-NJ from the public list of supporters after organizers learned they accidentally left it on the website.
“For their contribution as noted above, CAIR was added to a list of entities that supported — not sponsored — the Games and was unfortunately left there in error over the years,” Nausrudeen said.
Nausrudeen said the organization’s mission focuses on athletics and community engagement.
“The Islamic Games aim to promote sports and healthy lifestyles among children and youth and to foster unity and togetherness by bringing communities together to compete and celebrate each other,” Nausrudeen said. “This has been our guiding principle from the beginning.”
District Review, Policy Concerns
Lindamood said Colleyville is “truly blessed” to have a strong interfaith community, with various groups supporting one another through the city’s ministerial alliance.
“Colleyville is a special community, and home to 21 places of worship,” Lindamood said. “We do not condone those fueled by hate. Hatred has no place in our city. As Mayor, my job is to make sure that our community lives in peace, harmony, and well-being. I take that responsibility seriously.”
He referenced 1 John 4:7-8, which instructs love for one another.
“Colleyville welcomes family-friendly sports events that reflect positively on our great city. We seek to live in peace and to love one another as scripture commands,” Lindamood said. “It is important to note that GCISD administration is the sole authority regarding the use of GCISD-owned facilities.”
Braun previously said district officials were examining how the event was initially approved, and whether existing policies allow the use of public school facilities for an event of this scale.
“They’re bringing in food trucks. They’re using the basketball court, the tennis courts, the track and field, the soccer fields – they’re taking over that entire area,” Braun initially told The Dallas Express.
Organizers said they have worked with GCISD previously and said they have a positive relationship with the district.
“The Islamic Games remains fully independent in its governance, operations, and decision-making, and continues to adhere to all applicable standards, policies, and venue requirements,” Nausrudeen said. “We have enjoyed a fruitful and positive relationship with GCISD, and we are grateful for their support over the years.”
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Good.
When will there be the Islamic Olympics?
Liberal gobbledygook trying to split the baby. “We welcome all, but not really”
Do the games involve goats? Just curious.
There’s a competition on who can yell “I divorce you” three times the fastest.
And then you throw dog poop on her shoes.
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