Sports Ministry's Fitness Vouchers Top 500,000 Handouts in First Week

The new cash incentive is here to encourage people in Taiwan to stay fit. Those who work out and provide a digital proof with timestamps can qualify for a weekly voucher of about two U.S. dollars. And there's been a strong response in the first week of the initiative. The program recognizes a 30-minute workout session, 8,000 steps a day, a 5-kilometer run, or a 15-kilometer bike ride. Each person gets only one voucher every week and can cash it in at convenience and grocery stores. Some people in Taipei are taking advantage of the benefit, while others think the money isn't much help. To encourage more people to stay healthy, Sports Minister Li Yang says there may be additional benefits. The program runs until the end of November. With more vouchers in the works, officials hope not only to reward those who keep up with good habits, but also those willing to start. Patrick Chen in Naringlin for Taiwan Plus.