It is disheartening to keep hearing top officials from the NSAs slamming down their sledge hammers on our young athletes over the slightest of differences. In this case it is over an amount of $1,425. The expected response will go something like this, 'It is not about money but...'. The truth is, it is about money. That is the reason why SSA introduced the levy in the first place.

The SSA has an ongoing programme to develop champion swimmers, yet only rarely does talent of the calibre of Tao Li surface. No one will dispute the fact that it contributed to her success but to have its vice-president coming down so hard on her, citing the amount of money spent on overseas tournaments and the fact that taxpayers' money was involved and even bringing up the money spent on food supplements and air-conditioning, is completely distasteful.

Was he speaking for SSA, Singapore Sports School or SSC, or all of the above? Such public dressing down of a young role model will only discourage and cast doubts in the minds of many parents about allowing their young to pursue a career in sports.

Let us be a more gracious society. Indebtedness and gratefulness cannot be mandated. If we truly intend to reward our athletes then we must allow them to keep the prize winnings without any strings attached. Do not begrudge these fine sportsmen the monetary reward. We have to put a stop to the constant blaming and shaming game. One moment they are our national heroes, the next they are painted as national 'disappointments''.

I agree that the SSA needs funds to operate but relying on levies on prize winnings is not the way to go. Perhaps the SSC and the Singapore National Olympic Council should look into rewarding the respective NSAs separately for their success.

Pang Ching Hoo