The Chinese government says more people than ever are improving their health by engaging in fitness activities thanks to policies aimed at encouraging more participation in sport.

Through the construction of sports facilities and organizing events, the country's General Administration of Sports says it has provided more opportunities for ordinary people to exercise.

Our reporter Yao Yongmei has more.

Reporter:

China plans to build a national sports and fitness service network by 2020, encouraging people to do more sports and stay healthy.

Feng Jianzhong, Deputy Minister of the General Administration of Sports, says in order to achieve this goal, China has been making efforts in making policies and implementing them.

''In 1995, the State Council issued the National Fitness Plan. Since then, regions across China have organized various sports events for ordinary people to keep fit and healthy.''

The plan encourages people to exercise at least once a day, with the country providing related services. Building more sports facilities and organizing more events for the ordinary people are encouraged by governments at all levels.

Local governments across China have built sports facilities, such as basketball courts and table tennis tables, in residential communities, parks and other public places.

In the past five years, public sports venues have increased by 20 million square meters. Financial input into such projects has reached 2 billion yuan, or about 270 million US dollars.

Fu Xingxia is one of those who have enjoyed the convenience.

''It is more convenient than before, especially for the elderly to exercise every day. I used to go to the parks that are far away from my home, but now I can exercise in the residential community.''

Meanwhile in rural areas, people are holding sports activities in a bigger scale. In 2006, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region hosts a basketball competition attended by 10 thousand village teams!

In addition, China has combined the national fitness program with the Beijing Olympics, encouraging people to better support the Olympics by participating more in sports.

Events under this theme have attracted nearly 100 million people to participate in programs such as climbing the Great Wall and table tennis competition in communities.

Yao Yongmei,CRI news.