Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal has made fighting childhood obesity one of his causes and this summer he’s looking for kids to help out.

O’Neal, who became an endorser of the Mighty Milk nutritional drink in February, will be one of the judges for the Mighty Milk “Be Mighty, Get Active” essay contest. Children ages 7 to 15 can enter by writing essays of no more than 300 words explaining their idea for creating a more active community, whether it be upgrading a local sports field, establishing a recreational program or buying equipment. Entries will be accepted through Aug. 18 at www.mightyfoodz.com.

“While the focus on the battle against childhood obesity (and living a more active lifestyle) is on parents, guardians, schools and other guiding forces in children’s lives, winning the battle is a team effort,” O’Neal said in a statement. “The Mighty Milk ‘Be Mighty, Get Active’ essay contest is an opportunity for kids to get involved, too, in a way that will help the whole community.”

O’Neal and executives with CytoSport, maker of the Mighty Milk, will judge the essays. The first 500 entrants will receive a signed O’Neal Mighty Milk backpack. Ten finalists, who will receive a pair of signed Dunkman-brand basketball shoes, will be chosen in September, with the grand prize winner earning $25,000 for his or her community activity plan and a trip for three to Miami to attend a Heat game and meet O’Neal.

WADE FIGURINES

Meanwhile, O’Neal’s teammate Heat guard Dwyane Wade is living up to his Flash nickname. According to Upper Deck Authenticated’s All-Star Vinyl Web site, it didn’t take long for the 2000 limited edition Dwyane Wade action figures – 1,500 “home” uniform and 500 “road” uniform versions -- to sell out. The company released the 11 inch-tall figures, which sold for $49.99 for the home versions and $99.99 for a dual pack with both the home and road versions, this morning and the Web site says they’re all gone. They’re already selling on eBay.

PRESSEL INSPIRATION

Boca Raton's Morgan Pressel, the youngest woman to win a major in LPGA history, will help "inspire young women to excel in academics and athletics," as a spokewoman for Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks' "Champions" program.

Pressel, 18, will make appearances at Busch Entertainment Corp. adventure parks across the country on behalf of the program, including Busch Gardens and SeaWorld, Busch Entertainment Corp. announced today.

"Any success that I have experienced in my career has its foundation in focus, hard work and discipline. That is what I hope to impart to young women in my appearances in the Anheuser-Busch parks," Pressel said in a statement. "You can do anything in the world if you are dedicated enough and committed to excellence in everything you do."