COMPETITIVE SPIRIT IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The competitive spirit is important for
children to make them more committed and responsible, and to grow up into
quality individuals, said Rosmah Mansor.

The prime minister's wife said through programmes like competitions,
children would have high aspirations and a thirst for success.

"They will compete to be the best or among the best. Competition will
increase productivity, while enhanced competitive spirit will make them dynamic
and proactive individuals," she said in her speech at the closing of the
Children'S Potential Programme here, Tuesday.

Rosmah said competition would also improve their skills in various fields
and prepare them in facing obstacles and challenges.

"In fact, children who are competitive will become fine role models who will
find the right approaches to improve themselves.

"However, in our endeavour to promote the competitive spirit in children, we
must not forget that being overly competitive can result in unhealthy
competition. So, there must be a balance to produce all-round students,
including being excellent in their chosen field," she said.

At the same function, Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie
Apdal in his speech said nursery schools in the country must pay serious
attention to children's mental development.

"We have to look at the objectives and the values they impart which should
be easily understood and put into practice by the children, through the daily
activities organised for them," he said.
-- BERNAMA