Olympic decathlon gold medal winner Dan O'Brien will be on hand to sign autographs and share tips on running and health and fitness at the inaugural Run for the Kids Nov. 24 at Vasona Park in Los Gatos. The race is a benefit for Operation FitKids.

The Sunday morning run features six separate races: a 5K run and walk, a 1-mile kids run (with three separate divisions for kids ages 7­12), a 1-mile kids run for ages 5­6 and the Toddler Dash for kids ages 3­4. All courses are flat and fast.

The entry fee is $18 for runners 13 and over and $10 for those 12 and under (add $5 for race-day registration). All runners will receive a long-sleeve T-shirts.

For more information, call On Your Mark Race Management at 209.795.7832, email info@onyourmarkevents.com or visit www.onyour markevents.com.


Youth sports grants

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) is accepting grant applications from youth organizations and schools interested in purchasing new sports equipment.

The BASHOF Youth Fund has provided nearly $2 million to over 350 sports organizations in the 11 counties of the Bay Area since its inception in 1981.

The deadline for returning completed applications is Jan. 31, 2003. For more information, call 415.352.8827 or visit www.bashof.org to download an application.


Girls soccer

The Mountain View­Los Altos Avalanche, Storm and Mercury girls competitive soccer teams are looking for players (born between Aug. 1, 1989, and July 31, 1993) for the upcoming season. Contact Brian Nesmith at 408.220.2301 or brian.nesmith@bluecoat.com.


Softball tryouts

The Strikkers, a girls softball 16-and-under traveling team, will hold tryouts for the 2003 summer season on Nov. 17 and 24 at Oak Grove High School in San Jose. Pitchers and catchers should report at 11 a.m. and position players at noon. For more information, call Ernie Garcia at 408.281.7855.


Contacting sports

Didn't find what you were looking for in today's issue? Send us an email, give us a call, ship us a fax or drop us a line. Email us at dsparrer@svcn.com or dispar@aol.com, fax in your sports results to 408.354.3917, or give Dick Sparrer a call at 408.354.3110, ext. 31. We look forward to hearing from you.