MLS soccer player gives inspirational talk at soccer tournament

2006-10-15_aiaLEBANON – Chicago native Jed Zayner, a member of the Columbus Crew, is out spreading a message of inspiration at this weekend’s Cincy Challenge Youth Soccer Tournament on behalf of Athletes In Action. Zayner was in a life-altering car accident his junior year of high school, just four years ago.

“I was so scared,” Zayner, 21, comments, “I was out of consciousness for about five seconds. In that five seconds, my life changed.” Since that day, Zayner has been working towards distributing love to those around him. This is where Athletes in Action came into his life.

Athletes In Action traveled out to the Cincy Challenge this weekend and are delivering their word verbally and through a DVD featuring a cast of MLS soccer players and their individual stories. According to the AIA literature, “are real people with real needs who have found that real faith is essential for success in life.”

“We travel to children’s hospitals, homeless shelters, and soccer tournaments … anywhere we can get the word out. The greatest gift you can share with anyone is wisdom,” Zayner says.

More information about Athletes In Action or about the Cincy Challenge Cup may be found at the website, www.cincychallenge.com.

PHOTO: Zayner chats with soccer fans after his inspirational talk Sunday morning at the Cincy Challenge Cup.