RESIDENTS living in private estates generally lack proper facilities for exercise.

They have no choice but to run or cycle on the roads or pavements and face the risk of being knocked down by vehicles.

In this regard, I am glad to know that my daughter's school, Xingnan Primary, has been a participant of the Free To Play Scheme under the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) since May.

Under the scheme, the school's field and running track, which are fully maintained by the SSC, are open to the public on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

Residents living nearby can walk or jog on the running track or play games on the school field. It is a very good idea to share school facilities with the community. I hope that more schools, particularly those with better sports facilities, could take part in the SSC scheme.

For example, Raffles Institution could share its sports facilities with Bishan residents, while Hwa Chong Institution - my alma mater - could allow residents living in nearby private estates to use its sports facilities.

Mr Goh Kian Huat

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