Colleyville, Texas, January 22, 2026

The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District has canceled the 2026 Islamic Games due to concerns over the event’s association with CAIR, designated a terrorist organization by Governor Abbott. This decision reflects heightened scrutiny of community events affiliated with controversial groups, as local officials emphasize the importance of safety while balancing community inclusivity. The cancellation has sparked discussions on the implications for future events and interfaith relations within Texas.

Colleyville, Texas: School District Cancels Islamic Games Amid Controversy Over Sponsorship

Introduction

Colleyville, Texas – The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD) recently made headlines with the cancellation of the 2026 Islamic Games, an event aimed at fostering athleticism and community among Muslim youth. This decision was made in the wake of significant concerns surrounding the event’s association with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which Texas Governor Greg Abbott has designated as a foreign terrorist organization. The situation reflects a broader discussion on how local communities are navigating national security concerns while striving to create inclusive and supportive environments for their residents.

Cancellation of the Event

GCISD officials announced the cancellation of the Islamic Games after it came to their attention that CAIR New Jersey was listed among its sponsors. After this revelation, the district swiftly terminated negotiations regarding the use of district properties for the scheduled event. This cessation of negotiations emphasizes the heightened awareness and precautions being taken by school districts in Texas regarding affiliations with organizations deemed controversial by state authorities.

Governor’s Intervention

In a proactive approach, Governor Abbott further intervened by reaching out to the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD), urging them to cancel another scheduled event tied to CAIR. The Governor articulated that public facilities, funded by taxpayer dollars, should not be utilized for events related to groups recognized as terrorist organizations. His actions reaffirm the state’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and integrity of public venues.

Reactions and Denials

In response to the cancellation, organizers of the Islamic Games stated that they had no formal sponsorship arrangements with CAIR. They clarified that while CAIR-NJ did provide complimentary drawstring bags to athletes during a prior event, this did not establish a partnership or sponsorship. Organizers maintained that the primary goal of the Islamic Games is to promote health, wellness, and communal harmony among diverse youth participants.

Background Context

Governor Abbott’s designation of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations has set the stage for increased scrutiny around events and organizations associated with these groups. This state-level policy has naturally fueled debate within Texas, raising questions about the implications for cultural engagement and community cohesion.

Community Response

The decision to cancel the Islamic Games garnered support from local government leaders. Colleyville Mayor Bobby Lindamood highlighted the city’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and harmonious community. He asserted that Colleyville values inclusivity but remains steadfast against elements that could potentially sow discord among its residents.

Implications for Future Events

The cancellation of the Islamic Games in Colleyville, alongside similar developments in Cypress-Fairbanks, underscores an ongoing contention between state governance and organizations like CAIR. As Texas grapples with the implications of using public facilities for events associated with groups labeled as terrorist organizations, dialogue around interfaith relations and community events continues to evolve.

Conclusion

GCISD’s choice to cancel the Islamic Games signals a significant intersection of state policy, community values, and interfaith relations. Looking ahead, further discussions seem inevitable as stakeholders from various segments of society weigh the need for security against the desire for inclusivity within community-event planning. Continued engagement and dialogue will be essential as Dallas and its surrounding areas navigate this complicated landscape, reminding all to support efforts that enhance community ties while remaining vigilant.

Key Features of the Event Cancellation

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.