The Women's Sports Foundation announced the kickoff of its Long Island Girls Sports Fund program. The fund awards grants to sports programs for 9-18-year-old girls who are affiliated with schools, national governing bodies, youth-serving agencies and other girl-serving organizations.

The Long Island Girls Sports Fund was established in 1997 with revenue from the foundation's first benefit golf outing. Funding is available for programs based on Long Island or in the greater New York metro area.

"The Long Island Girls Sports Fund is important to the future success of girls sports because it provides opportunities that might not otherwise be there due to lack of funds," said Women's Sports Foundation President Nancy Lieberman-Cline. "We thank the golfers who have supported the Long Island Girls' Sports Fund with their financial assistance, so that more girls have the opportunity to compete in sports and reap the benefits from sports involvement."

Applications will be judged based on a demonstrated need; how funds would be used; and how the program that benefits girls and the Long Island community. Applications for the 2000 program are available now and are due on Dec. 4. They are available by calling 1-(800) 227-3988 or visiting www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.

Founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, the Women's Sports Foundation is a charitable educational organization dedicated to increasing the participation of girls and women in sports and fitness and creating an educated public that supports gender equity in sport. The foundation's participation, education, advocacy, research and leadership programs are made possible by individual and corporate contributions. The Foundation is located in Nassau County. For more information, please call the foundation at 1-(800) 277-3988 or visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org. or AOL.Keyword.WSF