Vice-Premier Liu Yandong on Aug 8 called for public enthusiasm for physical exercise following Beijing’s successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Liu joined the public in fitness activities in Erdos in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region during an event marking the seventh National Fitness Day.

Liu said National Fitness Day is of great significance as Beijing, together with Zhangjiakou, will host the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2022.

Carrying out national fitness activities also is necessary for China to ensure the health of the public, she said, adding that authorities should improve their ability to provide better public sports products and services and shorten the gap in distribution of public sports resources.

When hearing reports from local authorities about their work concerning school soccer, Liu said efforts should be made to popularize playing soccer on campuses and make the sport contribute to the physical and psychological development of teenagers.

The vice-premier also watched soccer training and a game at a local school.