Summerlin team to favor `VIPs'

Summerlin resident Vicki Liles plans to launch the inaugural American Youth Soccer Organization Very Important Player program in Summerlin.

The VIP program is designed for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. Team members include those who are mentally or emotionally challenged, autistic, or visually impaired, in addition to those who have cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or conditions that impair mobility.

Liles said four participants have registered and additional players are needed to form a team. The team will compete against those from the Boulder City area. Her inspiration is her 9-year-old son, Justin, who has Down syndrome.

"Justin's sister, Jessica, plays on a team with AYSO and every time we go to practice or a game, he wants to play," Liles said. "The VIP program will give him the opportunity to play on a team that caters to his capabilities."

The program allows participants to partner with volunteers who assist them during the game.

"This partnership creates a bond between the player and volunteer that allows for both participants to benefit," Mike Moloney, director of publicity for AYSO, said. "The player achieves a sense of belonging and acceptance while the volunteer gains an understanding and appreciation for those with special needs."

The nationwide, nonprofit organization attracts more than 1,000 children to Summerlin for its spring and fall seasons. Games are played at the Summerlin Centre Community Park, a 20-acre park that features two lighted soccer fields and a practice field.

"Members of AYSO have been operating in Summerlin for several years," said Tom Warden, a spokesperson for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin. "The organization is completely volunteer based. We are grateful for the service AYSO renders to soccer enthusiasts in Summerlin."

Other amenities at the community, which is unfolding in villages in the western valley, include several golf courses, parks, trails, schools, houses of worship, shopping centers, medical facilities, cultural facilities, and business parks.

Nearly 120 model homes represent the available houses, townhomes and condominiums, which are priced from the low $200,000s to more than $700,000. Custom-home sites in The Ridges are priced from the high $500,000s to more than $1 million, and predesigned custom homes are priced from $2.1 million. Apartments offer monthly rents starting from the low $800s.

For more information, visit www.reviewjournal.com/real estate and click on the Summerlin link.

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