Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Ideas for Sports Days and Athletic Festivals in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

COVID-19 became a global issue.

I believe it directly affected the lives of many people.

And the same goes for children’s school life.

Holding events as usual has been quite difficult—many schools are in that situation.

So in this article, we’ve gathered ideas for sports days and athletic festivals tailored to the COVID era.

This is by no means a negative take! It’s full of the spirit of “Let’s have fun even in these circumstances!” Please read through to the end!

Summary of Sports Day/Field Day Ideas to Face the COVID-19 Pandemic (21–30)

Ball possession

Physical Development Exercise 12: Ball-Grabbing Game

Ball possession

Ball Grab is a game played in pairs.

First, place a ball between the two players.

Then a facilitator calls out body parts, and both players must touch that spot with both hands.

When the facilitator says “ball,” the players try to grab the ball faster than their opponent.

This way, even large groups can play without physical contact.

It engages not only the body but also the mind, so even those who aren’t confident in their physical strength can enjoy it.

Preparation is simple—just get a ball—so give it a try!

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Ball-collecting game

Video 6: For upper elementary and middle school students — Team event: Ball-collecting game

Ball-collecting game

For those who want to enjoy a highly competitive game while still taking infection-control measures, we recommend the Ball Collection Game.

The rules are a bit complex, but the basic idea is to dribble soccer balls or rugby balls with your feet and carry as many as you can into your team’s area; the team that brings in more wins.

Different types of balls are worth different points, so choosing which balls to go for is important.

There’s also a rule that allows you to steal balls from the opponent’s area, which adds a strong element of strategy.

If you’re interested, be sure to check out the detailed rules.

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Collection of Sports Day and Athletic Festival Ideas for Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic (31–40)

Relay Ball Toss

Video 1: For lower grades — team event — relay tamaire (beanbag toss) ①②

Relay Ball Toss

Speaking of tamaire (ball toss), it’s one of the classic events at school sports days.

Teams—often red and white—are divided, and players aim to throw balls into a high basket; the team with more balls in the basket wins.

In a regular tamaire, everyone throws toward the basket all at once, but in this relay-style tamaire, only a few people throw at a time.

Others line up behind them and switch in when time is up, then continue tossing.

Arrange several teams spaced out around a circle.

The time limit might make you feel rushed—but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?

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Social Distance Rat-tat-tat

[Sports Day Dance] “Rat-tat-tat” / Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS (Easy Choreography | Lower Elementary, Middle Elementary, Upper Elementary)

Social Distance Rat-tat-tat

When it comes to ideas that let you participate with peace of mind even during the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping distance from others, there’s the social-distance “Rat-tat-tat.” It’s an arrangement of the dance to a song produced by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS, allowing for a performance that feels unified while maintaining distance.

The choreography spreads out in a circular formation, making it perfect for sports days and large gym stages.

It’s also recommended to wear colorful masks that match your class or grade’s theme.

How about dancing to this passionate dance number that lets everyone enjoy each individual’s moves even more?

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Hula Hoop Dance

2020-10-07 Sports Day: Hula Hoop Dance

Hula Hoop Dance

When it comes to events that allow for dazzling performances while maintaining infection control measures, hula hoop dance is a perfect choice.

Performers showcase a variety of movements—spinning their bodies to keep the hoop from falling, lifting it, squatting, and more.

It’s also ideal for letting children keep their distance and make full use of a wide space.

If you want a unified look in the performance, pairing it with cute costumes is highly recommended.

Use pop or dance music that matches the hula hoop movements to liven up your sports day or school festival venue!

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carrying cardboard boxes

Video 4: For upper elementary and middle school students – Team events: (1) Cardboard Carry (2) Ball Carry

carrying cardboard boxes

It’s a relay-like event using cardboard boxes and a blue tarp.

Four people hold the corners of the tarp and carry a cardboard box placed on top without letting it fall.

Although it’s a team competition, each person keeps their distance by holding a corner of the tarp.

If you designate just one person to pick up the box when it falls, fewer people need to touch it, and the restrictions can actually make the event more fun.

By having the next runners wait at a distance as well, the waiting and assembling time can be incorporated as part of the event, while also serving as a precaution.

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Non-stacking group gymnastics

If you can do just these, you're all set! | Easy Solo Gymnastics Skills Explained | Elementary School Group Gymnastics

Non-stacking group gymnastics

Kumi-taiso (group gymnastics) is a classic event commonly seen at sports festivals and athletic meets.

Because the participants inevitably end up very close to one another, it can be difficult to hold under circumstances like these.

In such cases, we recommend “non-group kumi-taiso.” In a large venue such as a schoolyard or gymnasium, keep plenty of distance and have each person practice kumi-taiso techniques individually.

The key is to strike your poses in sync with your classmates or team to the music or counted calls.

Try a wide range of skills—from single-leg and horizontal balance to bridges and airplane poses.

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In conclusion

Weren’t these all spot-on ideas that let you enjoy an athletic meet just as much as a regular one, simply by tweaking the approach a little? Using the examples here as a reference, please go ahead and create your own style of sports day or athletics festival.

I hope this article serves as a starting point for planning events that fit the times—not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but beyond.