China has proposed a regulation that could see all public sports facilities open for free every August 8, with the date marking the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympics possibly being designated as a national fitness day.

The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, or Cabinet, on Wednesday published a draft national fitness regulation online to seek public views.

Under the regulation, all levels of government and sports administrations should hold activities and campaigns emphasizing fitness on national fitness day, and all units and organizations should actively participate in sports.

It also encouraged private facilities to open free of charge, or at reduced fees, to the public on that date.

A General Administration of Sport official said a national fitness day would "provide the public with better exercise conditions" and "reflect the Olympic cultural heritage" as well.

(Xinhua News Agency November 6, 2008)