The Australian Handball Federation congratulates the Australian Girls Youth Team in their successful participation in the first ever Youth Olympic Games which was held in Singapore during 14 – 26 August 2010. 

The Handball competition was for players born 1992 and 1993. Handball was in the second week of competition, giving the girls extra training opportunities and for the two overseas-based members of the team from Sweden to train with the team. 

The girls were coached by Raelene Boulton and Jessica Fearnside. Raelene played for Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games so she was able to draw from her experience to assist the girls in their preparation and participation in this significant competition.  Sasha Dimitric (founder of handball in Australia) attended the final training and also encouraged and inspired the girls.
 
The player profiles, news stories and their participation can be accessed on the AOC Singapore website at http://singapore2010.olympics.com.au/ .  

Back Row L-R   Raelene Boulton (Coach) Breanna Keyes, Sally Cash, Annalese Smith, Claire Dennerley, Taylee Lewis, Tegan Poulton, Holly Tupper, Jessica Fearnside (coach) Front Row L-R   Bella Faasau, Alice Keighley, Jasmin Huriwai, Paulini Tawamacala, Maddison Truesdale

The BK Awards were presented at the Aussie Team Lunch prior to the Closing Ceremony and included nominations from athletes and officials with the winners selected by the Chef de Mission [Nicholas Green, OAM].  The AHF congratulates Raelene Boulton for receiving the BK Award for Best Coach.  

The AHF also wishes to thank the officials who provided support to the Team: Coaches Raelene Boulton and Jessica Fearnside; Michele Poulton [Team Manager in Singapore], Bronwyn Thompson and Ann Ridley for all the work leading up to the event. 

No doubt the players and the officials would bring their valuable experience from this significant event to further develop handball in Australia.