Chinese premier Wen Jiabo has approved the promulgation of a National Fitness Rule.
The purpose of the Rule, which is composed of 40 clauses is to promote the carrying out of national fitness activities and protect the right of the public to join in these activities to improve their body quality.
The Rule states that all Chinese citizens are entitled to join the national fitness activities and local governments at various levels should protect their rights in this respect.
The rule says that the State will conduct a survey on the general fitness of the public as well as the periodic national fitness activities. August 8 of each year will be the national fitness day when the all sports facilities shall be open free of charge to the public.
The Rule says that no organization or individual shall charge a fee or set up a barrier national fitness activities. Schools should open their sports facilities to students after class and during holidays and arrange at least one hour of sports activities for the students every day. In addition, government-run schools should try to open their sports facilities to the public, parks and other public replaces should arrange fitness venues based on their conditions and residential complexes should be equipped with a fitness area.
The Rule will take effect from October 1, 2009.
