[Handmade & Instagrammable] Decorations for Sports Day: Ideas and Inspiration

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!”
lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

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!

[Handmade & Photo-Worthy] Sports Day Decorations and Ornaments (21–30)

Exit Gate

One of the indispensable decorations for sports days and athletic festivals is the exit gate.

Since it’s a gate the children pass through, you’ll want to put some effort into making it.

There are many designs for exit gates, but it seems that ideas featuring characters popular with children are especially common.

For kindergartens and daycare centers, cute designs that incorporate animals tend to be popular.

It’s an important decoration that creates a special event atmosphere and motivates the children.

Make good use of various materials—such as balloons and tissue paper—to create a wonderful exit gate.

We also recommend matching it with the entrance gate as a pair!

Raise the rankinglower

sasashina

Report a problem

Face-in-the-hole panel

Face-in-the-hole photo boards—those cutout panels you can stick your face through—are practically a staple at tourist spots.

They make great travel memories, and many people can’t resist snapping a photo when they see one.

So why not make some for your sports day or field day venue as well? If you’re going for something simple, you can make them out of cardboard.

If you’d like to reuse them every year, it’s a bit more work, but try using wood.

They’re useful as decorations and popular as photo spots.

Create designs kids will love, such as animals or anime-style characters.

Raise the rankinglower

sasashina

Report a problem

[Handmade & Instagrammable] Sports Day Decorations and Ornaments (31–40)

deco stick

@chakis2aki
The cane I made for the school festival was way too cute!!!!!! Make it a trend!!!!!!!!!#05 #ljk Deco Stick Cultural Festival #CultureFestivalGoods #Sports Festival Goods
♬ Remember Heart (feat. Sorfano & Shafunyan) – 0xanar!

With cute decorated sticks, you can really get into the spirit of cheering at the sports day.

If you make them in colors close to your team’s color, you can brighten up the event and cheer together as one.

Add some sparkle with pipe cleaners and beads, and decorate them as you like.

Waving them to the fight song will really amp up the excitement.

Plus, holding them in group photos will make for wonderful, memorable pictures.

Make some deco sticks to lift your spirits and have a fun sports day!

Raise the rankinglower

mayumi

Report a problem

Decorative sash

How about a “deco sash” that’s sure to turn heads with its flashy look? A deco sash is a party sash—like the kind sold at 100-yen shops—that you decorate yourself.

After buying a sash, turn it inside out and attach tinsel along the edges.

Stapling it will help keep it from coming off.

Next, stick printed letters in the center of the sash.

Catchy phrases or your own name work great.

It’s also fun to change the tinsel color for each one.

Raise the rankinglower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Deco Tambourine

Of course you can use it for cheering, but what’s trending for its social media appeal is the “deco tambourine.” This is a store-bought tambourine decorated with lace and tinsel.

It’s common to put a name, message, or character illustration in the center.

Many inexpensive tambourines have a hollow center, so in that case, cut up a clear file and combine the pieces to fill it.

Taking advantage of the transparency to insert photos inside is also recommended.

Raise the rankinglower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Deco megaphone

When it comes to cheering items, megaphones are a classic, right? How about decorating a megaphone? First, choose the color of the megaphone you want to decorate.

If you go with a lighter color, it will make the decorations stand out more later.

Once you have your megaphone, start sticking on things like stickers and photos.

Making your own original stickers to put on is also recommended.

If the megaphone is a dark color and the stickers might be hard to see, try first applying a layer of black construction paper as a base.

Raise the rankinglower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Name board

Have you ever made a name board? A name board is an item originally used at concerts to call out to artists.

You often see versions that include messages like “Wave to me,” not just a name.

If you make one of those, a sports day will be even more fun.

Try sending messages to your friends or making a board with each person’s name.

As an extra touch, you can add a chain or string so you can hang it around your neck.

Raise the rankinglower

yamamoto

Report a problem