NEW YORK- With the first induction ceremony today, the Billie Jean King International Women’s Sports Center became the official home to the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Billie Jean King, founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation,  hosted the 2008 induction ceremony and celebrated the grand opening of the Billie Jean King Center.

Created by the Women’s Sports Foundation, the Billie Jean King Center is the first museum exhibit and hall of fame dedicated exclusively to all women’s sports. Located in the Sports Museum of America, the Center gives visitors easy access to women’s sports history through an interactive, multimedia sports experience.  The 2008 inductees are the following:

Shannon Miller gained prominence when she became the first American gymnast to win an individual gold medal on the balance beam, in 1996, and continued in the sport to become the most decorated American gymnast, earning seven Olympic medals.

“It’s such an honor to be inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. I am a member of several halls of fame, and each one is so special, but to be inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame holds a special place,” said Miller.

Janet Guthrie who presented Miller with her award said, “It is a true privilege to induct Shannon Miller … into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame!”

Algerian track star Hassiba Boulmerka is the first African woman to win a world championship title in long-distance running. Controversy has followed her throughout her career. Because Boulmerka, a Muslim, bared her legs while running in track shorts, she drew criticism from fundamentalist Islamic groups. When she became the most decorated female runner in the 1,500m category, she became a role model to many Algerian women.

Hisako “Chako” Higuchi was the first Japanese player to win a major championship on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour and a charter member of the Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association of Japan (JLPGA). To this day, Higuchi is the only Japanese player, male or female, to have captured a major championship title on either the LPGA or PGA Tour. In many ways, the golfer known for her distinguished swing paved the way for Asian international players.

This year’s induction of Sue Enquist, one of the most winning coaches in softball, is somewhat ironic, since 2008 is the last year that softball will make an appearance in the Olympic Games.

More information on the Billie Jean King International Women’s Sports Center and the June 9 Hall of Fame induction ceremony is available at www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.

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