Mayor's Cup Tapped For International Honor

Soccer Tournament Singled Out By Consul Of Monaco
Courtesy City of Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Mayor's Cup International Showcase is being recommended for a prestigious international sports/peace award. In a message from the Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas to the city and the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club, Consul Jonathan Warren announced he was placing the soccer tournament in the running for the honor.

The Peace and Sport Award was founded by Prince Albert II of Monaco. The purpose of the honor is "to elevate humanity through the universal interaction of friendly competition and sportsmanship."

In a communication to the city, Warren said, "It may seem obvious now that the most visited city in the world would also play host to the nation's largest youth soccer tournament, but it is Roger Tabor who made that hindsight 20-20. As a Las Vegan, I am proud of his work. As consul it is my pleasure to recommend him and the Las Vegas Mayor's Cup for the Peace and Sport Event for Peace of the Year 2011."

The Las Vegas Mayor's Cup International Showcase is co-hosted each February over Presidents' Day weekend by the city of Las Vegas and the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club. Last year, more than 6,000 youth soccer players, ages 14 to 19, from eight foreign countries and 26 states took part. The tournament has become the largest youth soccer tournament in the country.

"The Mayor's Cup Tournament is a perfect example of an outstanding public/private partnership," said Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman. "By working together, the city and the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club created an event that is drawing competitors and notice from around the world."

The tournament originally started as a means of bringing youth players from Rosarito, Mexico, to Las Vegas so the young players could share a passion for the game of soccer. Since then, the tournament has grown into a major youth sports event, attracting nearly 150 college soccer coaches and recruiters. The Mayor's Cup also provides a significant boost to the local economy. Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club President Roger Tabor estimates the total impact to the Las Vegas economy is in excess of $5 million, including more than 10,000 hotel room nights reserved, more than 400 vans and mini vans rented and countless meals sold.

"We have grown this tournament from humble beginnings to being one of the top youth soccer events in the world. It is thrilling when others recognize us on a world stage," said Tabor.

Sporting events and programs from around the world have been recommended for Peace and Sport Awards in at least five categories. The winners will be announced in Monaco on Oct. 27.