On Nov. 4, the Lewiston High School boy’s soccer team defeated Hampden Academy 4-0. I congratulate coach Mike McGraw, athletic director Jason Fuller and the entire Lewiston High School community, not just for a successful soccer season, but for demonstrating to the entire Lewiston community the rewards of multiculturalism at its best.
The joyous spirit that filled the stands during the game brought together people of different cultures, different religions, and different nationalities to cheer for the success of the city they all call home. Somali and non-Somali young people sat together, Somali boys cheered for the Lewiston team in English, while their parents cheered in Somali. People enjoyed local food from the snack shop — french fries, fried dough and sambusa.
Cheerleaders spelled out the names of the stars of the team: M-O-H-A-M-E-D and O-T-H-M-A-N, just as they spell out the names of other fine athletes who play for Lewiston: M-O-R-I-N and R-O-Y.
Early in the second half a young African man led the crowd — black and white; Muslims, Christians and Jews; Mainers, new and old — in a wave. The game demonstrated the skills and vitality that Somali immigrants bring to America.
It was a night to be proud of being from Lewiston.
Loring Danforth, Lewiston
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