The impression that I had after reading the letters featured in the article is that the majority of them feel that developing future sport stars should fall on the shoulders of the NSAs and the Government.

To become a truly great sporting nation, we should not think this way. Everyone has the responsibility to help the younger generations develop, including current successful young athletes. Making monetary contributions voluntary is unlikely to yield substantial donations. I therefore concur with the rationale of the levy.

But I feel we can do more. Youth development is much more than just raising funds for specialised programmes. Having current athletes - young or old - act as mentors or big brothers/sisters is just as important.

Motivations spurred by receiving useful tips from seniors or even idols may be something money cannot buy. In that light, NSAs should engage national athletes in these capacities at a frequency of, perhaps, once every two months. In fact, athletes may even be given the option to choose either to contribute in this capacity or pay the levy or both (but with a lower levy percentage).

Singapore is a small nation but we have our own sporting talents that can challenge the best in the world. To optimise the limited resources we have, every one of us must play a part.

Dr Kua Harn Wei

Ultra Triathlete

Team Singapore