Shanghai will take part in a national quit-smoking contest from June 1 that challenges participants to quit the habit for more than six months.

The contest, which runs every two years, is open to anyone who had been a daily smoker for at least one year and who is more than 18 years old.

Competitors will be asked to abstain from smoking from June 1 to December 30.

Biochemical tests and witnesses will be used to prove competitors don't try to sneak a cigarette during the contest and a lucky draw will award one competitor 10,000 yuan (US$1,428.57).

The contest also set up a group for the city's medical workers to urge them to lead the no-smoking campaign.

(Shanghai Daily May 6, 2008)