THE Ministry of Education's launch of the Youth Sports Academy ('New youth scheme', Tuesday), albeit for only three sports (wushu, table tennis and badminton), is a significant milestone in the promotion of sports excellence in Singapore. It fills a yawning gap in the development of young sports talent into full-fledged stars of tomorrow.

It is also heartening to read that the academy will be expanded in future to include other sports. I hope this will be done so those who, for one reason or another, cannot get a place in the Singapore Sports School can still have their talent nurtured and realised fully.

The Youth Sports Academy and its predecessor, the Junior Sports Academy, are a much-needed foundation on which all with talent and passion can build their sporting dreams. However, it would be a pity if our effort stops there as it would still leave many stranded beyond the schooling years.

I understand that a few sports academies, such as those for football and sailing, are already in existence to cater to the needs of this post-school cohort. More national sports associations should join in the fray by setting up sports academies of their own so sporting talent can progress seamlessly towards the pinnacle.

With sufficient funds, top-notch coaching expertise and personalised training programmes at all levels, the academies would give all potential champions a chance to rise to the top of their sports, something all previous efforts have been unable to address adequately.

Parents who have children with special talent and passion for sport should embrace the new scheme and give it their unstinting support.

Lee Seck Kay

This article was first published in The Straits Times.