[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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[Handmade & Instagrammable] Sports Day Decorations and Ornaments (31–40)
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.
balloon arch
For those who want to add a festive touch to a school sports day, a balloon arch is highly recommended.
Combine multiple inflated balloons to create an arch.
It’s a great idea to choose a theme—such as pastel colors or a rainbow—and decorate with colorful balloons.
You can also hang garlands or children’s portraits under the balloon arch.
This dynamic arch makes the most of the three-dimensional qualities of balloons.
It will capture children’s attention and energize the event, so give this design a try!
Mega Deco-Deco Gun
If you want to stand out at the sports festival and draw attention with a flashy decorated toy gun, this is it! With a mega deco gun, you’ll boost your visibility—and if your friends or team all carry mega deco guns, it’s sure to become the talk of the event! Because it’s big, there’s more surface area to decorate and it takes some creativity, but the effort will make it a memorable piece.
Grab a larger water gun, paint it your favorite color, then decorate it.
Don’t just use rhinestones—add ribbons and more to create a truly eye-catching deco gun!
Heart garland
A great wall decoration idea you’ll want to keep in mind—perfect not only for sports days but for any kind of event.
Cut colored construction paper into long, narrow strips, curl each strip into a heart shape, and staple the ends to fix it in place—one heart done.
Make lots of them, then connect the hearts as you would with a paper chain, and you’re finished! The cute look is sure to delight little kids.
You can also thread string through the vertical axis of each heart to hang them in a downward line.
Japanese-style paper fan
If you want to add a refined touch to your sports day with calm, elegant wall decor, how about Japanese-style paper fans? It’s an easy idea using washi-patterned paper.
Glue together four sheets of paper folded in an accordion, then open them from an upright position like a blooming flower.
That’s all it takes to create a gorgeous paper fan.
Don’t forget to attach a backing sheet on the reverse side for support.
Make a few in different sizes for an even more authentic look.
Of course, you don’t have to use washi-patterned paper—anything goes.
It’s a wall decoration you can arrange however you like!
[Handmade & Instagrammable] Sports Day Decorations and Ornaments (41–50)
Paper construction paper flower decoration
Despite its delicate appearance, the method is simple! How about making a lovely floral wall decoration? Prepare construction paper cut into thin strips, and make several in different lengths.
Take one strip and roll it into a tear-drop shape.
Then take a longer strip and wrap it around into another tear-drop, layering it over the first.
Once you’ve built up three layers, align the ends and staple to secure.
Make about 8 to 10 of these units, then glue their sides together to form a flower shape.
The finished look is geometric and stylish! If you’re particular about the paper colors, it will boost the overall design appeal.
kusudama (decorative paper ball used for celebrations)
When you think of something to celebrate an event—like an award ceremony or a birthday party—the first thing that may come to mind is a kusudama party ball.
Pulling the string to release celebratory words along with ribbons and confetti is a simple setup, yet it brings a smile to everyone’s face.
There are many store-bought options these days, but if you want to convey a message that isn’t run-of-the-mill, we recommend making one yourself.
You can create the shape by decorating an instant noodle bowl with origami, so give it a try!
