Nazem Kadri brings the Stanley Cup house to London, Ont. mosque
London, Ont.’s personal Nazem Kadri introduced the Stanley Cup house to have a good time along with his hometown. Festivities started on the London mosque on Oxford Avenue, the place Kadri attended prayers rising up.
As the primary Muslim NHL participant to ever win the cup, this was an enormous second for the town of London, and the Muslim neighborhood. When Kadri took the stage, the group erupted in cheers as he hoisted and kissed the cup.
Hassan Mostafa, a good friend of the Kadri household and member of the board of administrators for the London Islamic College, welcomed Kadri and his household, Mayor Ed Holder, a couple of metropolis councillors, and Faisal Joseph to the stage.
“We as a neighborhood have withstood and thrived within the darkness of some — merely for being a proud Muslim who loves his neighborhood,” mentioned Joseph. “Not even a Stanley Cup champion is resistant to the soiled grasp of racism and Islamophobia.”
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Joseph congratulated Kadri for his accomplishments and pushing by means of the hate and racism he has skilled.
“I wish to congratulate Nazem and your loved ones, who proceed to do nice issues, and be a nationwide function mannequin for all Canadians.”
When Kadri took to the microphone, he expressed his best appreciation for the group who got here out to help him.
“It’s superb, as I sit right here and replicate, these are the streets I grew up on,” Kadri mentioned. That is the Mosque I used to return to, and all the pieces simply appeared to return round full circle, so I’m very appreciative, very privileged, and honoured to be the primary ever Muslim to convey the Stanley Cup to a Mosque. It’s an enormous deal!”
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After the ceremonies on the Mosque wrapped up, Kadri hopped right into a firetruck with the Stanley Cup, the place they headed down Oxford Avenue in the direction of Richmond Avenue, and ended up at Victoria Park.
Azhar Sufi and his son, Abdullah, got here to London from Toronto to witness their first-ever Stanley Cup parade. As Muslims, seeing Kadri elevate the cup was very particular for them.
“It simply goes to indicate that it doesn’t matter what your background is,” mentioned Sufi. “In the event you actually strive exhausting and you actually work exhausting in your recreation, then you possibly can accomplish something. It encourages my youngsters for positive.”
As a Colorado Avalanche fan, Sufi is unhappy to see Kadri go to the Calgary Flames for a seven-year contract. He mentioned he’s excited to look at him play towards the Avalanche and the place the remainder of his profession takes him.
Kadri’s subsequent cease with the Cup is in Toronto on Sunday night time.
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