The pro golf tours and its member tournaments and players have consistently stood out for the breadth and depth of their efforts in the world of charity and social impact. Another example of “standing out” involves maybe the greatest female golfer ever, Annika Sorenstam.

In a partnership with the Women’s Sports Foundation, the ANNIKA Inspiration award will honor a young woman each year who excels both in sports and in giving back to the community. I am sure they will have a lot of great candidates to choose from.

You can read the full press release at http://womenssportsfoundation.org/Content/Press-Releases/2009/Womens-Sports-Foundation-and-ANNIKA-Foundation-Announce-Inspiration-Award.aspx with an excerpt below.

Don’t forget about the Women’s Sports Foundation’s “Annual Salue to Women in Sports” tonight in New York City. http://womenssportsfoundation.org/News-And-Events/Events/Annual-Salute-to-Women-in-Sports.aspx.

(Excerpt)

Women’s Sports Foundation and ANNIKA Foundation Announce Inspiration Award; New accolade to honor young girls who demonstrate athleticism, dedication, leadership and inspiration

NEW YORK (October 8, 2009) – The Women’s Sports Foundation and the ANNIKA Foundation have teamed up to create the ANNIKA Inspiration Award to honor exceptional young female athletes. The national award, the ANNIKA Inspiration Award presented by the Women’s Sports Foundation and the ANNIKA Foundation, will be given to a young woman who has been inspired by someone in her life and who now excels in her sport while demonstrating leadership qualities, taking time to give back to her community or sport, and, in turn, serving as an inspiration to others.

“I credit much of the success in my career to my father’s inspirational words, ‘There are no shortcuts to success,’” said Annika Sorenstam, founder of the ANNIKA Foundation. “Knowing how impactful one person can be, I am honored to be a part of the recognition of amazing young women who continually inspire and encourage those around them.”

Sorenstam, who is among the greatest icons in golf and sports, has garnered countless achievements throughout her illustrious career including: 10 LPGA major championships, eight LPGA Tour Player of the Year Awards, and inductions into the World Golf Hall of Fame and LPGA Hall of Fame. Aside from her achievements on the golf course, Annika is dedicated to sharing her formula for success with youth who don’t have the same opportunities, experiences, education or resources available to them.

“The Women’s Sports Foundation is thrilled to be establishing this new award with Annika,” said Karen Durkin, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation. “Having world-class athletes like Annika be part of our work to help young women lead healthy and active lives is critically important. This award exemplifies everything we promote to women of all ages and also demonstrates how our Foundation can work with athletes and their foundations in new and different ways.”

(The press release continues at http://womenssportsfoundation.org/Content/Press-Releases/2009/Womens-Sports-Foundation-and-ANNIKA-Foundation-Announce-Inspiration-Award.aspx)