The new Sports Ministry is officially open for business today, with Sports
Minister Lee Yang taking office as the youngest-ever minister of the Republic
of China.

Lee, 30, said that he will not only work to get people moving, but will also
specifically encourage young people between the ages of 18 and 24 to get
involved in sports.

The two-time Olympic Gold Medalist said that he hopes to mak exercise a habit
that will find its way into the hearts of the people, adding that he hoped
employees of the newly-minted Sports Ministry would be able to exercise for
at least 30 minutes daily.

Meanwhile, President Lai Ching Te and Premier Zhuo Rong Tai both
congratulated Lee, with Lai stating in remarks today that he hoped the Sports
Ministry would be prosperous for recreational and competitive sports alike.

Responding to criticism that Lee's illustrious athletic career may not
translate to success in governance, Zhuo said that everything is difficult
when first beginning, but nothing is harder than winning an Olympic gold
medal- much less two.

(AH)