Gee-Gees lineman draws strength from faith

The University of Ottawa student newspaper has a feature on Gee-Gees reserve offensive lineman Qasim Khan. Khan, who is Muslim, is observing the holy month of Ramadan, fasting and not drinking water from sunup to sundown while handling the physical rigours of football practice.

Frankly, it's hard to imagine how Muslim athletes in sports such as football or basketball do it. Hakeem Olajuwon was once NBA player of the month while he was observing Ramadan; a lot of people often thought he played better when he was fasting and praying.

Ramadan ends Oct. 12, the day before the Queen's homecoming game. On a personal note, between my sister's husband being Muslim and having two siblings working out of province, that means that the Gaels' game vs. Waterloo will be worked into a belated family Thanksgiving.

Related:
Faith in God and football (Dan Plouffe, The Fulcrum)