[Handmade & Instagrammable] Decorations for Sports Day: Ideas and Inspiration
When the schoolyard, gates, and campus are decorated for Sports Day, it instantly feels more festive and exciting, doesn’t it? In this article, we’ll share recommended decoration and styling ideas for Sports Day.
We’ve gathered a wide range—from photo-worthy pieces and iconic centerpieces to items that lift everyone’s spirits—covering everything from small props to large displays.
Most of what we introduce here can be handmade, so use these ideas as inspiration and give them a try.
These decorations are perfect for various Sports Day events at nurseries, kindergartens, schools, and senior facilities!
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- [Wrist Accessories / Costumes] Handmade Outfit Ideas for Sports Day
- Parent-Child Events for Sports Day: Recommended Ideas for Nurseries and Kindergartens
- Popular songs recommended for nursery school sports days! A roundup of classic crowd-pleasers and the latest hits
- Recommended for nursery and kindergarten sports days! A collection of exercise songs to enjoy every day
- Cheer songs to hype up the sports day! A collection of motivational tracks recommended for kids
- [Childcare] Recommended for sports day performances and dances! A collection of classic and popular songs
- From classics to fan favorites! A catalog of music and BGM to liven up your sports day
- [Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer songs and recommended tracks for parody versions
- Get hyped! A collection of Vocaloid songs to energize your sports day and athletic festival
- Elementary schoolers can dance to it! Recommended dance songs and choreography for sports day
- [Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]
- [Sports Day BGM] A selection of classic tunes that liven up the venue
[Handmade & Instagrammable] Sports Day Decorations and Ornaments (11–20)
pom-pom
When it comes to items that add a festive flair to cheering on participants, pom-poms are the classic choice.
Easy to make and colorful with lots of movement, pom-poms stand out even during the event and help energize the team.
From simple versions using traditional vinyl tape to glamorous ones made with metallic tape, their appeal lies in the fact that people of all ages can make them.
It’s also fun not to stick to just one style but to create them in various shapes and textures—pom-poms are a go-to item for cheering.
class flag
What really brings color to an event where teams face off is the team flags, don’t you think? Flags that reflect each team’s colors boost the players’ morale and make a strong impression on the opponents.
You can prioritize design, or express your team with a single kanji character—either way, originality that doesn’t overlap with other teams adds flair to the event.
It’s a decoration that lets you experience team competition beyond the matches themselves, fostering solidarity from the creation stage onward.
Hanging ornaments
Tsurushi-kazari are decorations most commonly used for the Doll’s Festival (Hina Matsuri).
By suspending ornaments from strings at a height, they add a festive touch to a variety of events.
The sight of colorful decorations fluttering in the breeze can also create a refreshing atmosphere for summer events.
With unique arrangements that enhance an event visually, this simple yet eye-catching look is a recommended decoration.
banner (vertical shop sign / nobori)
Nobori banners are decorations that play an important role at events, serving as appeals or markers.
At festivals, they might display a shop’s recommendations, and at sports days they can be left standing to rally your team—useful in many different situations.
While it’s great to commission elaborate designs from professionals, designing and making them yourselves can also become a meaningful part of the event’s memories.
By featuring messages that anyone can understand, these banners are simple yet versatile decorations that will shine in many roles.
lease
A decoration we’d like you to use when you want something a bit more elaborate is a wreath.
In addition to the popular way of hanging it on your front door for events like Halloween or Christmas, it can also make a striking, festive statement at events such as sports days.
By using origami and adding elements that evoke the competitions or favorite characters, you can create something truly original.
This lively, three-dimensional decoration links with the event itself to create a sense of dynamism and a fun, pop look.
Wall decoration
Wall decorations that adorn surfaces with various shapes add color to walls.
The taller and wider the wall, the more freedom you have, and distinctive decorations can liven up events.
For a sports day, you might decorate with items depicting the same events, while for Halloween or Christmas, you can add decorations that match each theme.
Even handmade pieces can make events feel festive depending on your ideas.
In addition to flat illustrations, you can also create and attach three-dimensional objects to add accents—this is a type of decoration where you can enjoy participating from brainstorming through production.
[Handmade & Photo-Worthy] Sports Day Decorations and Ornaments (21–30)
Rainbow Pom-Pom
When it comes to pom-poms made with tissue paper, they’re a common decoration—but here’s the idea: make them rainbow-colored! Fold sheets of tissue paper of each color in an accordion, then tie the center with thread.
After that, simply fan them out in order, and you’re done! The key to a clean finish is placing similar or neighboring colors next to each other.
That way, you get a gradient effect and a more vibrant look.
On the other hand, intentionally connecting opposite colors or changing the color for a single accent can also add a stylish design touch.
