ASSEMBLY spending on sport and fitness will double by 2007/8, Sports Minister Alun Pugh announced.
Annual spending will reach £24 million, Mr Pugh said - twice the current level and up from £6.8 million in 1999.
This week also sees the launch of television, radio and billboard advertisements designed to encourage people to take more exercise.
Ministers are keen to stress that health promotion is as important a policy as cutting waiting lists, and have argued that a healthier population will lead to economic and social benefits.
First Minister Rhodri Morgan launched an overall health promotion strategy, Health Challenge Wales, last year.
Mr Pugh said: "Health Challenge Wales is based on the belief that everyone has a part to play in making Wales a healthier nation.
"It is not the job of the NHS or the Assembly Government alone. We all have a personal responsibility to do what we can to reduce our chances of suffering ill-health."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article