VFA SUMMER GAMES
CITYWIDE YOUTH SPORTS COMPETITION & FESTIVAL
14 SPORTS | OPENING CEREMONY | MEDAL PRESENTATION | CLOSING CELEBRATION
WAIT LIST
- We have many community heart screening events being scheduled. Please click below and get on the wait list.
VEGAS FOR ATHLETES
Vegas for Athletes is a nonprofit protecting youth athletes through life-saving heart screenings. Since inception, we have screened over 1,300 athletes at more than 15 community events, identifying 42 heart abnormalities, including seven life-threatening conditions.
With over 20,000 high school athletes in Clark County and more than 50 million youth athletes nationwide receiving no cardiac screening beyond a basic sports physical, Sudden Cardiac Arrest remains the leading cause of death in young athletes and demands action.
Education
Empowering communities through educational seminars, and workshops.
Health & Safety
Organizing heart screening events to safeguard student athletes.
advocacy
Championing to have the heart screening a part of annual physical.
Awareness
Spreading the message through podcasts, social media campaigns, and storytelling.
TRIBUTE
01
Ben Christman
Senior offensive lineman Ben Christman, who transferred after last season from Kentucky, has died suddenly in his sleep.
02
Jordan brister
Amplus Academy Las Vegas senior, Jordan Brister, sufferred sudden cardiac arrest on January 3rd, 2023 and died with no known cause.
03
ashari huges
a 16 year old, Las Vegas Desert Oasis high school student collapsed and died on January 5th, 2023 while playing flag football.
04
Ryan Keeler
UNLV football player Ryan Keeler died from a fatal irregular heartbeat caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on February 20, 2023.
Jordan Brister honored in the 137th Annual Rose Parade.
18-year-old Jordan was a senior at Amplus Academy and died after experiencing cardiac arrest at school in Las Vegas January of 2023. Since the time of his passing Jordan has saved 3 lives through organ donation. The Brister family was sponsored by the Nevada Donor Network and Palm Mortuaries for the parade.
PARTNERING WITH PURPOSE FOR Athlete Health and Safety
P.U.L.S.E Ambassador Program
Professionals United for Lifesaving Screening Education
When pro athletes take a stand, people listen. Sponsors are seen alongside NFL, WNBA, NHL, and MLB talent, gaining media exposure, social reach, and real credibility by standing for something that saves lives.
HEART SCREENING EVENT WITH THE JAMES FAMILY
Heart of the Game
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On November 3, 2025, we will host a landmark heart screening at T-Mobile Arena with the James Family.
This moment is profoundly full circle. Two years ago, the world was shaken when Bronny James collapsed during practice, sparking national conversations about youth heart health. That moment was the catalyst for Vegas for Athletes’ mission. Now, standing alongside the James Family, we are honored to bring this vision to life on the very court where so many dreams are made.
Thanks to our collaboration with Position Sports, this historic screening is possible. Together, we will screen up to 500 young athletes in a single day. With doctors and medical teams on site, every child will receive a free heart screening designed to protect their health and their future in the game.
This is more than an event. It is a movement, and we are humbled to share it with the James Family and Position Sports, whose support makes moments like this a reality.
Recognitions & endorsements
- City of Las Vegas Certificate of Recognition
- 5 Year MOU with CCSD
- 2025 Clark County Medical Society Winged Heart Award Recipient
vfa summer games 2026
At its core, the Games are a mission-driven platform to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest, the #1 medical cause of death among student athletes. Every participant receives free heart screenings and CPR training, making this not just a sporting event, but a life-saving one.
But the experience goes far beyond competition.
From the spectacular Opening Ceremony and Athlete Parade, to the Health & Safety Day, Finalist Recognition Night, Gold Medal Ceremony, and an unforgettable Closing Celebration, the VFA Summer Games will ignite citywide pride and honor every athlete’s journey.
It’s more than a tournament, it’s a celebration of youth achievement, NIL opportunities, scholarships, and community unity. A stage where young athletes are empowered to compete, grow, and shine.
medical advisory board
Dr. Richard Samson
Pediatric Electrophysiologist Nevada Children's Heart Ceer
Dr. Brittnay Navarre
Pediatric Electrophysiologist Nevada Chidlren's Heart Center
Dr. Phil Faraci
Heart Surgeon
Dr. Kelly Morgan
CEO & Medical Director
Elite 7 Sports Medicine
Dr. Nadrat Nauman
Pediatrician Advanced Pediatric LV
Dr nauman jahangir
Cardiothoracic Surgery Sunrise Health System
Dr kendall egan
Board Certified Dermotalogist
Dr gina tulimero, pt, dpt, phd
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
community & partnership council advisory
todd leventhal
Attorney
alice cage
Owner, Gowha Med Spa
Jerrod Washington
Former NFL Player
Diego Trujillo
CEO & Executive Director
Las Vegas Heals
noel casimiro
Owner, Hoodie Flag
key staff
TROY ROQUES
Executive Director
renee kim
CMO
ryan pedersen
CFO
dani beaman
Program Manager
Kayla Mingo
League Aquisition
Volunteer
Director of Volunteer
director
Administration
Board Members
yvonne wade
Director of Athletic Programs & Outreach
Pete Lopes
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Daniel Ochoa
Director of Medical Training & HIPAA Compliance
Chris Endo
Director of Hospitals & Physician Relations
Aniela Szymanski
Director of Legal Affairs
Our Events
vfa network
Stories Inspire Action
The VFA Network is our media and outreach platform, connecting nonprofits, medical experts, and influential voices in youth sports to amplify heart health awareness.
Through YouTube channels, podcasts like “Coach Pete Said So”, “Health Defense with Master B” , and community-driven campaigns, we share stories, expert insights, and educational content to inspire action and drive a movement for heart screenings.
What Our Executive Director Has to Say…
“Vegas for Athletes is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a movement. As Las Vegas continues to establish itself as a sports mecca, we are committed to protecting the hearts of our student-athletes, educating communities about heart health, and safeguarding the next generation of champions.”
Contact
- 702 683 0899
- info@vegasforathletes.org
- 6565 Spencer St. $206 LV, NV 89119
HIPAA Privacy & Security Policy
Vegas for Athletes follows HIPAA standards to ensure the highest level of privacy and security for your personal and medical information.