Health

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

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By Patrick Chen/Irene Lin

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Taiwan's sports ministry, led by Olympic badminton champion Lee Yang, has seen enthusiasm for its newly launched "Sweat and Reward" fitness voucher program, distributing over 500,000 vouchers in its first week alone. The campaign grants a weekly voucher of around US$1.60 to people who record their workouts—such as taking 8,000 daily steps, running 5 km, or cycling 15 km—using time-stamped digital proof. Redeemable at local convenience and grocery stores through November, officials are now considering expanding benefits to encourage broader participation.

A new cash incentive is here to encourage people in Taiwan to stay fit...

Those who work out and provide digital proof with time stamps can qualify for a weekly voucher of about 2 US dollars.

And there’s been a strong response in the first week of the initiative.

FANG REI-WEN, SPORTS FOR ALL AGENCY, SPORTS MINISTRY:
"We’ve received the latest information that there’s been over 500,000 handouts. I believe we will hit the 2 million mark soon."

The program recognizes a 30-minute workout session... eight thousand steps a day... a five-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.

TAIPEI RESIDENT:
"We do brisk walking. We do 10,000 steps or more. Afterward, we just take a picture [of our step count]. I’ll wait till I’ve saved up [US$22]."

TAIPEI RESIDENT:
"I already maintain a workout routine so this voucher is more like a subsidy. I will probably use it to buy something to eat after a workout. I think it won’t have much effect [on those who don’t exercise]. It’ll need other measures to complement this policy."

To encourage more people to stay healthy... sports minister Lee Yang says there may be additional benefits.

LEE YANG, SPORTS MINISTER:
"We hope more people will get on board. So far, the take-up has been quite good. We’re looking at the possibility of adding more 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.