SHORT TAKES : Michael Jackson, Elton John Win First Ryan White AIDS Award

Entertainers Michael Jackson and Elton John were selected as the first recipients of the Ryan White Memorial Award, which was named in the memory of the young AIDS victim.

The announcement was made Tuesday night at a gathering of Athletes and Entertainers for Kids at the newly opened Tiffany & Co. store on Rodeo Drive.

The award was created to remember the young AIDS victim, who spent the final years of his life telling adults and youngsters about the disease and fighting for his rights and the rights of others who contract the virus.

Among those attending the event were Ryan’s mother, Jeanne, former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Olympic gold-medal swimmer Greg Louganis.

Louganis, who had developed a close relationship with Ryan, said the youngster served as an inspiration to him.

“He really was so brave,” Louganis said. “That really helped me. When I hit my head on the springboard in Seoul, Korea (during a dive at the Olympics), it was like if this was Ryan White, he wouldn’t give up. I know he wouldn’t. He was my strength for a time there.”

The awards will be presented during a television show later this year.