Swimming ace Joseph Schooling has proven that with hard work, perseverance, courage, sacrifice and commitment, one's passion, dream and goal can be achieved, not only in sports but also in other human endeavours.

Schooling's parents played a paramount role in identifying early his passion in swimming, and gave him full support and encouragement morally and financially ("Champ's parents deserve credit for risk they took" by Mr Lawrence Loh Kiah Muan; Aug 15).

His parents have proven to other Singaporean parents that if any of their children is passionate about something, don't try to dissuade the child and place obstacles. Instead, try to fulfil the child's dream by giving all possible support.

Had Schooling's parents not supported him, it would have been quite insurmountable for him to have done so well for himself and for the nation.

For the sacrifices made by Schooling's parents, the Singapore National Olympic Council should consider giving them a special award (this need not be financial).

Such an award would go a long way towards encouraging other parents to support the passions and dreams of their own children, thereby producing many more Joseph Schoolings.

Pavithran Vidyadharan