Chelsea Zeig to Compete in Maccabiah Games in Israel

As co-captain of Lasell's Track and Field team and school record holder for shot put and weight throw, Chelsea Zeig thought she'd have a decent chance to compete in the Maccabiah Games in Israel this summer when she applied. Turns out, she was right.

Zeig, of West Nyack, New York, was originally named an alternate on the United States Track and Field Team participating in the games, which involves athletes of the Jewish faith. But recently, she received word that she had been named a full team member when another teammate had to withdraw.

"What an honor this is to represent the U.S.A. at the world's largest athletic competition in 2013," said Zeig, who will start her senior year at Lasell in the fall. As a 20 year-old, Zeig will compete in the open division of the games for discus, shot put, javelin, and hammer.

Zeig travels to Israel with the team next month for the competition, which involves over 8,500 athletes who compete in 18 sports from 80 countries during the games in Jerusalem from July 17-31.

Like the Olympics, the Maccabiah Games take place every four years.

The only minor complication from the late notice was the fundraising requirement to cover Zeig's travel costs. Athletes notified last Fall had more than six months to raise the required $5,000. Zeig, however, had less than two months to raise the same amount, but Zeig's family and friends made sure she would meet that goal.

The Organizing Committee pays for half of the expenses from contributions, but the other half must be raised by supporters of each individual athlete.

"Thanks to my family, temple, fellow Lasell Lasers, and friends, I will be leaving for Israel on July 10th" Zeig said.

Zeig's competition schedule has her competing on July 24th and the 25th at Hadar Yosef in Tel Aviv. The Games will be shown live via the internet (http://jltv.tv/shows.php?id=59).

Zeig also plans to blog about her experience at www.zigzagthrowerswag.tumblr.com