The Editor, Sir:

Yesterday's two daily newspapers (16/09/08) show enthusiastic responses to the return of one of our Olympic champions, Shelley-Ann Fraser. Her mother is also in the picture, exuding love and admiration for her daughter. In every single case, all of our top athletes have strong attachments to their parents. There is no doubt that their homes have been the strength of their achievements. The love of a doting mother is etched on the face of Shelly-Ann's mother in the front page photos.

We think of Asafa Powell, Usain Bolt, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Michael Frater, Melaine Walker and all of the other world beaters. Their common bond is the endearing love of their parents. In today's Jamaica, this is the side of family life that gives us a lot to be proud of. Think of what we can accomplish, as a country, if we placed greater emphasis on the power of love, not just in the home but to all who we meet in our day-to-day life. The power of love, for example, might quell the aggressiveness which we experience on our roads.

We all are still basking in the warmth and euphoria as people embraced in the square at Half-Way Tree and all other venues throughout Jamaica when we were winning in Beijing. Strangers hugged and neighbours, who had not spoken to each other before, conversed for the first time. This is the power of love.

Further, in the same newspapers, there is praise for the coaches, They truly deserve the accolades. They have done a tremendous job. But, the athletes are coming from a foundation of love in the family that gives them the spirit to stand up to rigorous training.

Loving atmosphere

When they leave the field of training they return home to a loving atmosphere that fortifies them so that they can continue in their pursuit of excellence. It's not all about the wonders of yam. It's about good parenting.

Far too many of our men and women, who call themselves parents, are simply "having out their lot". They treat their children like dirty old clothes. They abuse them in so many unmentionable ways. They are oblivious to the reality that children are our future.

How do we encourage good parenting? The successes being achieved by our athletes and sports participants should be the catalyst to begin a programme which heralds the benefits of good parenting.

I am, etc.,

A. GUY MORRIS

morrguy@gmail.com