This is villagers exercising on newly installed fitness equipment. Photo by Wu Xiaoxia, Media Convergence Center reporter.
Media Convergence Center reporters Li Bing and Wu Xiaoxia reported that in 2025, the Municipal Sports Bureau listed the provincial government's "Rural National Fitness Enhancement Project" as a key public welfare task, constructing two high-standard national fitness activity centers in Zhonggou Village, Xincheng Town, and Hekou Village, Wenshu Town. With a total project investment of 259,400 yuan, it was completed and put into use in just 24 days, effectively solving the problem of "where to exercise" for rural residents with the highly efficient and pragmatic "Jiayuguan Speed."
The successful construction of the project benefited from preliminary scientific planning and thorough research. Adhering to the principle of "adapting to local conditions and benefiting the people conveniently," the Municipal Sports Bureau selected sites in two provincial-level model villages. Through on-site surveys and public opinion collection, a composite construction model integrating basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and comprehensive fitness facilities was finalized to meet the diverse fitness needs of villagers across different age groups.
"Building this is excellent!" exclaimed Zhang Hongjuan, a villager from Zhonggou Village, Xincheng Town, happily. "It's very convenient for us villagers to exercise after meals, and children can come to play basketball on weekends and holidays. The village has suddenly become much livelier."
The project commenced immediately after the tender was completed on June 6, 2025, and was finished ahead of schedule on June 30. During the construction process, based on 200,000 yuan from the provincial sports lottery public welfare fund, the Municipal Sports Bureau allocated an additional 59,400 yuan to enhance the quality of the venues and equipment, ensuring the high-quality delivery of this public welfare project.
In Hekou Village, Wenshu Town, the new basketball court and smooth fitness trail have become popular new spots for villagers to relax and exercise.
"This project is very beneficial for the common people in our village. Elderly people can come out to stretch their muscles and improve their physique after meals. Everyone is very satisfied," said Liu Shixing, Deputy Director of the Hekou Village Committee.
To ensure the fitness facilities are "well-built and long-lasting," the Municipal Sports Bureau innovatively established a long-term mechanism emphasizing "equal focus on construction and management." By signing a tripartite agreement involving the Sports Bureau, suppliers, and the receiving party, the rights and responsibilities of each party are clearly defined. Regular professional inspections and maintenance are organized to ensure the facilities are managed, promptly repaired, and usable long-term, allowing the public welfare project to continuously radiate vitality.
"The completion and operation of the project have not only improved the rural living environment but also enriched the spiritual and cultural life of the masses. It has effectively solved the fitness difficulties for rural residents, truly putting sports benefits into practice," introduced Chen Gang, Deputy Director of the Municipal National Fitness Guidance Center. The Municipal Sports Bureau will continue to take meeting the people's growing needs for a better life as the fundamental starting point, actively seek superior funds, increase efforts to update and renovate fitness facilities in old residential communities and underdeveloped rural areas, continuously densify the public service system for national fitness, and let the sunshine of sports benefits illuminate every corner.