Big smiles and blue skies were the order of the day for the 400-plus attendees who came to the 4th annual “Celebrating V.I.P. Soccer Day” on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Landell Elementary School in Cypress. The event, which was free, included games and trophies for 142 special needs children and adults participating in AYSO Region 154 VIP soccer in 2013. A breakfast fundraiser and food drive supporting the Bandai Foundation’s 2013 HUNGER campaign was held along with a resource fair with local agencies and businesses that serve the special needs community.
AYSO Region 154’s VIP program has grown from 35 participants in 1997 to nearly 150 players today, making it among the largest VIP programs in AYSO nationally. Now in its 16th season, players come from West Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach and Westminster. The event was made possible through the support of the Bandai Foundation, CalOptima, Cold Stone Creamery/Seal Beach, Creative Behavior Interventions of Tustin and UnitedHealthcare.
Local agencies and businesses that provide services to the special needs community were on hand to connect with parents and players. Exhibitors included CalOptima, Creative Behavior Interventions of Tustin, Champions Baseball, Cypress Parks & Recreation, Millers Children’s Hospital/Long Beach, Team Advocates for Special Kids (TASK), Disability Resource Center of Long Beach, Down Syndrome Association of Orange County and UnitedHealthcare. A fundraiser breakfast was provided by Knights of the Holy Grill and an ice cream fundraiser was provided by Cold Stone Creamery of Seal Beach.
“What a fun day we had, connecting the special needs community and VIP Soccer,” said Ben Singer, director for AYSO Region 154’s VIP Soccer program.
“VIP players and families enjoyed their final games, received their trophies with big smiles and we supported the Bandai Foundation’s 2013 HUNGER campaign with food donations.” Players and volunteers gathered nearly 250 pounds of canned goods and non-perishable food items in their effort in support of the Bandai Foundation, a long-time contributor to VIP Soccer.
“It was all about coming together to support each other,” Singer added. “You couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day weather-wise and we’re grateful to all who made our season and final event such a success.”
For more on AYSO Region 154’s VIP program or the 4th Annual ‘Celebrating VIP Soccer Day’, visit www.ayso154.org//vipdivision or contact Ben Singer at 562-810-3463 or vip@ayso154.org.
