The Editor, Sir:

I should like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the athletes who are representing Jamaica at the Beijing Olympics in China, but special commendations go to Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser and the other medal winners.

The pride we are feeling because of their incredible performance has unified the nation and brought great joy to Jamaicans everywhere.

This Olympics showcased the athletic talent that abounds in this country and, after hearing the story of Shelly-Ann Fraser's challenges during her earlier school years, it shows the urgent need for special housing with state-of-the-art training facilities for our athletes.

They need to be in an environ-ment where they can receive the proper nutrition, discipline and intense training, which will enable them to achieve peak performance.

No doubt, it would be an investment that would bear huge dividends.

I am, etc;

LAUREL deMERCADO

Kingston