We have to pay a $5 fee for each event that each child participates in. A penalty of $10 will be imposed if a participant fails to meet the qualifying time.

I can understand that the Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) needs to limit the number of participants.

However, the SSA has also introduced a yearly registration for all swimmers participating in meets sanctioned by it starting this year.

We were informed by our children's coaches that there would be a $30 membership fee for those participating in the swimming meet, and the SSA would look into getting some insurance policy and discounts at swimwear retail outlets for the swimmers.

On top of the amount parents have to pay for their children per event, we now also have to pay the $30 just so they can participate in the swimming competition.

This is too much. Why is there a need to pay for membership?

The SSA organises local meets only once a year. My children are not top swimmers, but they are able to meet the qualifying times set by the association.

We are just a middle-income family. With the prices of things going up nowadays, even swimming has become expensive for people like us. We have to pay the coaches to train our children, which does not come cheap.

Both my children love to swim, and it will be a pity if they have to give up their passion because swimming has become unaffordable.

For example, if one child were to just sign up for one event, he needs to pay $5. Couple with the $30 membership fee, that would be a total of $35 - for just one event.

In that case, I would rather my child not swim, as it is too costly.

If the SSA is looking to get some insurance policy for the swimmers, perhaps a nominal sum of $10 would be sufficient.

Besides, I do not think it is justifiable to pay for membership just to get a discount from swimwear retailers.

I hope the SSA will reconsider its decision on the $30 membership fee.

Teo Wei Ling (Mdm)