Raffles Institution, Tuesday, June 2, 2009 – With the landmark event just around the corner, 90 Team Singapore youth athletes will be vying for top honours on home ground at the upcoming 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009 (AYG), which be held from 29 June to 7 July 2009.

At the official Flag Presentation Ceremony held at the Raffles Institution this evening, Guest-of-Honour Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and President of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), presented the flag to Singapore's official flag-bearer for the AYG, swimmer Quah Ting Wen. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports was present to witness the ceremony.

Olympian and national shooter Mr Lee Wung Yew will lead the Team Singapore contingent as Chef-de-Mission for the AYG. Commenting on Team Singapore's participation at the AYG, he said, "This is a very exciting time for our young athletes as they prepare to compete in the inaugural Asian Youth Games. This is an exceptional opportunity for them to not only be a part of this historic event, but to compete on our very own shores, with the support from the home crowd. I am confident that our young athletes will give their utmost at the AYG and fly our Singapore flag high at the Games."

Team Singapore will be competing in nine sport disciplines at the inaugural Asian Youth Games - Athletics, FIBA 33 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Bowling, Football, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming and Table Tennis.

At the official Flag Presentation Ceremony, DPM Teo Chee Hean and Minister Vivian Balakrishnan added to the Asian Youth Games well-wishing campaign by penning their well-wishes to show their support for Team Singapore. Singaporeans can get behind Team Singapore by sending their well-wishes and words of encouragement via the official website at www.teamsingapore.com.sg.

The evening rounded off with performances from students of the Raffles Institution, along with an appearance by the AYG mascot, FRASIA.