Imagine: a tennis ball hit on Long Island helps to feed hungry children thousands of miles away! While it may seem far-fetched, that is exactly what happens when tennis players on Long Island participate in the Stop World Hunger Tennis Tournament.

Since the Summer of 1981, more than $50,000 has been raised by Long Island's tennis players to help Catholic Relief Services in its efforts to touch a hungry world. CRS has used these funds to feed hungry children where the need is greatest regardless of race, religion, and/or nationality. Currently, CRS is helping famine victims in Sudan, refugees in the Balkans, earthquake victims in Colombia, and hurricane victims in Central America.

As some of the best tennis playing weather of the year approaches, Stop World Hunger, Inc. is preparing for its annual Fall Tennis Tournament. This event attracts tennis players from Manhattan to Riverhead with the majority of players living within a 15-mile radius of the Nassau/Suffolk county line.

Divisions are set up according to the ability levels and geographic location of the participants. In general, ability levels range from intermediate to advanced intermediate to advanced. This allows for stimulating play and challenging matches.

The cost for the tournament is a very reasonable fee of $6 for singles events and $10 for doubles. Of course, many players make an additional donation to help feed hungry children.

Events consist of singles for men and women, as well as men's, women's, and mixed doubles. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, Sept. 15. All matches must be scheduled and played between Sept. 25 - Nov. 28. The tournament consists of round-robin, no elimination play to assure the most action. Awards are presented to the winners in each division.

Applications for the Stop World Hunger Fall Tennis Tournament have been forwarded to more than 40 tennis facilities across Long Island. If you prefer, you may receive an application by writing to: "Stop World Hunger," 50 Cherry Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735. More information is available by calling Matt Swit at 789-3618 (evenings: 9 - 10 p.m.).