Let’s make it! A roundup of entrance gate design ideas for the sports day

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
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.

The big annual event, Sports Day!

As it draws closer, some kids might be getting a little antsy.

It’s the day to give everything they’ve got—there’s no reason not to get fired up!

In this article, we’ve rounded up ideas for DIY entrance gates to send off those super-motivated kids in style!

These ideas are mainly recommended for preschool and kindergarten Sports Days, but if you swap the characters to match the age group, they should work great for elementary school events too.

Be sure to read to the end!

Let’s make it! A collection of entrance gate design ideas for the sports day (21–30)

Colorful Block Entrance Gate

For an entrance gate design that will liven up the upcoming sports day, colorful blocks are highly recommended.

Let’s make a gate that’s easy to understand at a glance and allows for free decoration.

First, prepare boxes in easy-to-stack shapes, such as squares and rectangles.

Next, decorate the boxes thoroughly with colored tape so there are no gaps, then stack them like a tower.

Attach letters such as “Sports Day” or the name of the preschool, and add illustrations of the events, and your gate is complete.

It’s also a great idea to choose a theme—like rainbow or pastel colors—and create your colorful blocks accordingly.

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Tsum Tsum Entrance Gate

Tsum Tsum is striking for its cute, chibi-style depictions of Disney characters.

This entrance gate incorporates that popular design seen in games and plush toys.

You’ll create face and hand parts for fan-favorite characters like Mickey and Minnie.

Using fluffy tissue paper, let’s craft three-dimensional Tsum Tsum figures.

By arranging the Disney characters in an arch, you can create a grand and glamorous effect.

Build an entrance gate that will energize the opening of the sports day and pump up the kids as they enter the venue.

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Balloon arch entrance gate

If you want to create a festive entrance gate for a sports day, a balloon arch entrance is a highly recommended design.

Combine many inflated balloons to form an arch.

Choose a theme like pastel colors or a rainbow, and decorate with colorful balloons.

It’s also nice to hang garlands or children’s portraits under the balloon arch.

This dynamic entrance gate makes the most of the three-dimensional qualities of balloons.

Try a design that draws children’s attention and boosts the excitement of the event.

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Pokémon Entrance Gate

An entrance gate with a Pokémon theme that will be popular with children.

Let’s create an eye-catching gate that incorporates a variety of characters.

If you’re making an arched gate, we recommend placing Poké Balls at both ends.

Draw illustrations of cute Pokémon peeking out, and add lettering for the entrance gate.

The design theme is a gate that expresses camaraderie and passion.

Why not incorporate ideas that match a sports day where kindergarten and preschool children take center stage?

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Block Entrance Gate

Building blocks, beloved by children as toys for stacking wood pieces, are a perfect motif to incorporate into the entrance gate that opens your sports day.

Try stacking rectangular boxes that evoke real blocks.

You can vary the box sizes slightly or make only the top into a triangle.

It’s also great to draw illustrations themed around trophies or the various sports day events.

Create a bold, impactful entrance gate that will build excitement for the sports day to come!

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Entrance gate with my portrait

An idea for an entrance gate decorated with children’s portraits.

Why not work on a design that both the children participating in the sports day and the spectators can enjoy together? Have the children draw their faces on round or square backing paper.

By changing the color paper for decorations by group, it will be easier to find each child’s illustration.

Involving the children in building the gate will further enhance the sense of unity at the sports day.

Try creating an entrance gate that will make this child-centered sports day even more exciting.

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Tissue paper pom-pom entrance gate

This is an entrance gate decorated with softly colored tissue paper flowers.

Let’s create an item that will brighten up the sports day, a special stage for the children.

First, attach letters such as the kindergarten or nursery school name and “Sports Day” to the gate.

We recommend decorating with colorful tissue paper around the letters.

In addition to the top of the gate, you can also decorate both sides to make it even more festive.

Why not incorporate tissue paper pom-poms—often used in children’s songs and dances—into the entrance gate design as well?

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