Over 100 athletes and officials from the 2010 Australian Youth Olympic Team were given an inspiring farewell today at Sydney Olympic Park before they departed for Singapore to compete at the first Youth Olympic Games.

Chef de Mission Nick Green was joined by AOC President and IOC Executive Board member John Coates, the Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis and three time Olympic Champion Libby Trickett to wish the athletes good luck.

“Congratulations!” Green said to the athletes. “Now that you are wearing the green and gold you should have grown an inch taller.

“You have become a member of an honourable group of Australians. With that comes the responsibility to uphold the pride and tradition of Australian Olympians who have competed before you.  Do us proud in Singapore.”

Coates reflected on the importance of developing youth athletes. He acknowledged the Singapore Games as a crucial stepping stone to the Olympic Games and recalled the number of Olympians who had competed at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

“Over 100 athletes who competed at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival went on to wear the green and gold at the Olympic Games. Between them they won 31 medals, eight of which were gold,” he said.

Kate Ellis, the Federal Minister for Sport reiterated the words of Coates.

“This is a terrific introduction for our young competitors to the pressure of competing at an elite level,” she said.

“It is an occasion which will hold them in good stead to continue representing Australia in the years to come.”

Secondary school students from the Talent Development Project as well as several Singapore lion dancers entertained the athletes and dignitaries.

The assembly sung the national anthem before the athletes boarded transport to Sydney International Airport to depart for Singapore.

Tomorrow, after familiarising themselves with the Village and attending training, athletes will attend a welcome reception hosted by the High Commission where the Australian flag bearer will be announced.

The team  will celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the Games on Saturday evening before commencing their quest for gold on Sunday 15 August, the first day of competition.