foreign sports talents.

wonder what's the big hoo-ha about it.
if our foreign sports talents achieve something for singapore and are rewarded for it.
isn't it just right?
they train hard in singapore, just like everyone else.
if locals were to receive the reward, i don't think anybody would complain about our sports system being flawed.
besides, the bulk of the monetary reward comes from singapore pools.
so everyone should quit complaining about it being taxpayers' money and all those crap, cause either way, the pools money is not going into our pockets!
if you're so sore about the money, quit gambling!


here's my take which i posted in yahoo, because i couldn't stand those shallow people's comments:

i'm singaporean and involved in sports but i don't think it's unfair for foreign talents to be rewarded when they've achieved something. those who thinks it's a waste of taxpayer's money, you guys are just shallow. no doubt they are not home grown, but our ancestors came from all over the world too, and well, these foreign talents are just simply the first generation stepping onto singapore from foreign land, but having our citizenship in replacement of their own. they train hard each day and it's not as easy as you think it is. it is mentally, physically and emotionally challenging, and they do it mostly for their passion in the sport apart from monetary rewards. well of course they have to get back something in return too right? (every singaporean knows that)


although they're not home-grown, but i believe taking up citizenship here is a big step for them and they try their best to gradually feel emotionally attached and have a sense of belonging to our country (you can't expect them to change overnight). how many singaporeans are actually as patriotic as them? always criticizing here and there. they are humble and hardworking and do their best, and yet have to receive such comments and crticism from singaporeans who have the same citizenship as them, it's as good as being racist. it also makes it even harder for them to have a sense of belonging when people from their "own side" do not welcome them and recognise their efforts!

the purpose of having foreign talents is not just only for winning medals at that point of time. one obvious purpose is also to raise the standard of sports in singapore through them. without them, it will take forever for our standard to even have a small increase. with them helping to raise the standard and provide guidance and impart their skills and knowledge to the locals, singapore sports would definitely improve much faster and more effectively. and i feel it is starting to all slowly work out already, just take a look at table tennis. the table tennis scene in singapore is definitely more competitive and is getting better and better each time, we even managed to clinch a Silver medal during YOG. and mind you, the girl is local. i highly doubt any locals would be able to achieve that without help from foreign talents be it coaches or sportsmen themselves.


at least i see some positive comments from other locals, giving their acknowledgements to the foreign talent's achievements.
why can't we just have an open mind? and look at the bigger picture?
it's not our money anyway. not happy, don't gamble.
they are contributing to singapore, think about what you have done for singapore?
you want reward, you have to earn it.
not just sit there and complain and yet do nothing about it.
everybody has equal chances and opportunities, it's just whether you want to create it and take it.
 
and i thought singaporeans are more advanced and educated than this...