Zubari to lead Israel team at Maccabiah opening ceremony

"Shahar excited not just Israelis when he scaled the Olympic podium last summer, but also Jews around the world," OCI president says.

By ALLON SINAI
Zubari bronze 248.88 (photo credit: AP)
Zubari bronze 248.88
(photo credit: AP)
Champion windsurfer Shahar Zubari will carry the Israel flag and lead out the delegation at the opening ceremony of the 18th Maccabiah at National Stadium in Ramat Gan on July 13, the Olympic Committee of Israel announced on Monday. The 22-year-old won Israel's only Olympic medal at the Beijing Games last summer and was crowned European Champion in Tel Aviv 10 days ago. "I'm very surprised to have received this great honor," said Zubari, who is preparing for September's World Championships. "It makes me very proud to carry the Israel flag at the Jewish Olympics." OCI president Zvi Varshaviak believes Zubari is an ideal choice. "Shahar excited not just Israelis when he scaled the Olympic podium last summer, but also Jews around the world," Varshaviak said. "Zubari is one of Israel's medal hopes for the 2012 Games and we are certain the tens of thousands in the stadium and the hundreds of thousands watching at home will show their gratitude."