Facilities-wise, the Sports Hub project is arguably basic, as it does not cater to all Olympic sports in the one venue, such as the lack of a velodrome, baseball and hockey pitches, dedicated gymnastics hall and Olympic village.

However, my concern is that there seems to be confusion about what sports should really be about - creating spectators or sportsmen?

Unless an equally vibrant and well-funded national sports programme is in place to complement the Sports Hub, and one that caters to youth, working people and the elderly, the Sports Hub may simply be creating a nation of spectators, or, worse, gamblers who bet on sports.

In fact, a packed programme of imported sporting events may deny the public access to such an extent that it would put locals off from using the facilities.

Many of our top sportsmen are, after all, ordinary people with day jobs, and our heartland sports clubs have been clamouring for more facilities.

If access is sporadic, this may discourage citizens from identifying with the facility as a venue to pursue their sports at a higher level.

Furthermore, the geographical disconnect between the Singapore Sports School (Woodlands) and the Sports Hub is to be lamented. Could the authorities tell us how this will impact access, and how a future sports institute sited at Kallang will avoid duplication with the Sports School?

It would also be good if the Singapore Sports Council could tell us how the facility will accommodate the handicapped. It would be a wonderful testament to Singapore's excellence and meritocracy if we have a facility and programme that puts us at the forefront of handicapped sports globally.

Let us become sportsmen for life, and not just spectators of life.

Raymond Tham Kon Weng