WE refer to your front-page article, 'Want to train? Then crawl to me' (16 Sep).

The mentioned incident happened last year. Why was this brought to the media's attention only now?

Why only after Mr Yong's departure as head coach? He was their head coach from day one since the Singapore Sports School (SSS) started in 2004.

You have rightly mentioned that Mr Yong is known for his unconventional coaching methods. However, his ways are very effective.

Our children were students who came under Mr Yong's training stint at SSS.

Children at that age tend to lack discipline, right attitude and focus. In order to develop them into good athletes, fundamental values need to be rightly instilled.

We parents have witnessed the ways in which Mr Yong conducted his training and the ways the students were being disciplined.

Yes, we do agree Mr Yong had many unusual practices. However, they were harmless and were extremely effective.

Disciplinary actions come in many forms and are acceptable as long as there is no physical harm done to the child.

Knowing Mr Yong, he would not have any intention of demeaning his young students.

Many proteges

Mr Yong has more than 30 years of experience, with many proteges to his name. Seventeen of his students from his first two batches from SSS are either with the National Elite Team or National Youth Team.

Students from the earlier batches of SSS bowling fraternity have the highest respect for Mr Yong and fondly refer to him as a 'grandfather' figure, who is always there to mentor them even till today (after leaving SSS).

Children from these earlier batches went through much tougher training and discipline.

Parents like us saw his coaching methods and were aware of his objectives and his good intentions.

Students who were under his coaching came out much tougher in every aspect of their character.

We must applaud Mr Yong for his patience, as he would explain clearly to the student why he or she had been punished.

Throughout the years, he has developed a very special bond with his students and most of them have a nickname given by him.

A coach's role is to help young athletes become better performers, and most importantly, a better person in the real world.

If the coach chooses to ignore the sleeping boy during his training, what sort of person will he grow up to be?

If we cannot trust the coaches, how do we expect our children to do the same?

ALICE SOH

*The letter also carried the names of six other parents*

This article was first published in The New Paper on Sep 18, 2008.