The Singapore Asian Games contingent received a pre-event boost yesterday when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong dropped by the Athletes' Village for a visit.

Mr Lee made it a point to shake hands with every one of the more than 100 athletes and officials.

And everyone, including world champion bowler Remy Ong, was touched by the gesture.

Said Ong: 'It means a lot for the Prime Minister to drop by. It gives us great encouragement. We were touched by his warmth.'