Kids may suffer if Pelapis programme is stopped

I AM concerned with the sports scene in Malacca. All this while, my son has been training under the Sports Ministry’s Pelapis programme, where young children are identified and nurtured in the sport in which they show interest and promise.

I applaud the ministry for having the vision to improve sports among young talents.

The ministry works hand-in-hand with the respective states for the good of the rakyat, providing guidance, knowhow and funding. The states provide the venues, equipment and children. It is a good partnership.

My son and a few hundred children in Malacca have benefited from this programme. Kudos to the Sports Minister.

But in Malacca, good things don’t last. I have been told by one of the coaches that the Pelapis programme is to be stopped.

I am very disappointed with this decision and wish the relevant authority will explain why this brilliant programme is being stopped.

The programme started about three years ago and definitely needs time to be established.

Those who made the decision to stop the Pelapis programme must realise that a long gestation period is needed to produce quality athletes. There is no instant success. What bothers me most is that only the programme in Malacca would be stopped.

Those in other states will continue.

Why are the children in Malacca being victimised?

I appeal to the Chief Minister to intervene and get to the bottom of this.

I urge the decision makers to rethink their decision for the good of sport, and the children of Malacca, in particular. CONCERNED PARENT, Malacca.