A roundup of Olympics-inspired events to liven up your sports day

high jump

Kasaoka Technical High School Sports Festival High Jump

The high jump, one of the track and field events, is a staple at competitions like the Olympics.

The tension as athletes run toward the bar and the sense of accomplishment when they clear it create thrilling highs and lows.

I’d love to see athletes challenging records rally the crowd with rhythmic clapping to lift the entire venue’s energy.

While going after major records is important, when performing at school sports festivals or field days, it’s also good to focus on the beauty of your jumping form and fostering a sense of unity in the venue.

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horizontal bar

Ippoen Sports Day 2018 (Horizontal Bar)

Horizontal bars are often installed in places like parks, and at school each student simply faces the bar and learns skills one by one.

While it’s basically an individual event where you work on your own to improve yourself, incorporating it into a sports day program gives it a different atmosphere.

A horizontal bar is set up in the center, and students take turns performing their skills there.

This creates a sense of tension, along with cheers from spectators hoping for success.

Even those who usually struggle with the skills may find that the chorus of “Do your best!” becomes a powerful boost.

It’s an event where everyone can enjoy the sense of unity that fills the venue.

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Weightlifting competition

Weightlifting is a sport in which competitors lift barbells and contest the amount of weight.

It’s a discipline that symbolizes strength, and while making it a school sports day event might be risky and difficult, I think it’s possible to incorporate some elements.

For example, we could insert weightlifting segments between footraces, like an obstacle course that includes weightlifting.

Various arrangements are possible, such as allowing participants to advance if they successfully lift a specified weight.

While the weight of the barbell is an important factor, proper lifting form is also crucial in competition, so it may be a good idea to station judges at the weightlifting area to assess both weight and form.

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kappamaki

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Taekwondo

[Authentic] Taekwondo Korea — Kukkiwon Demonstration

Taekwondo has been an official Olympic sport since 2000.

As a competitive event, it’s the kind of martial art many people imagine.

However, performances that use taekwondo forms are also popular.

Many of you may have been blown away by the Kukkiwon demonstrations you saw on TV.

I think doing the same kind of performance could be dangerous, but even just preparing a softer target and breaking that would be exciting.

I recommend using polystyrene foam as the material.

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yamamoto

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long jump

long jump

The long jump is an event where athletes take a run-up, jump off, and compete for the farthest distance.

It’s a historic sport that has been part of the Olympics since 1928.

Many people have probably tried it during school fitness tests, and it’s also commonly held at middle and high school sports festivals.

To set a good record in the long jump, the key is to accelerate as much as possible before the takeoff.

Practice running at full speed and timing your jump well, and aim for a great result!

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yamamoto

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Tennis Balloon Relay

Tennis Day Junior Sports Festival: Balloon Relay

For those looking for activities that even small children can enjoy, I’d like to introduce the Tennis Balloon Relay.

In this game, you run while tapping a balloon with a tennis racket.

It looks simple, but it’s surprisingly tricky.

By the way, there’s also an activity inspired by tennis called Balloon Tennis.

In that one, the tennis ball is replaced with a balloon.

Its rules are closer to badminton.

Both are safe and fun, so give them a try!

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yamamoto

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Boccia

“Let’s Try Parasports: Boccia” Edition

It’s also a great idea to include boccia—known as a parasport—in your sports day! Boccia is a game where red and blue balls are thrown as close as possible to a target white ball.

It’s enjoyable for all ages, from children to adults, making it perfect for sports day.

Each team has four balls.

First, you throw the white “jack” ball, and then aim to throw your team’s colored balls as close to it as possible.

At the end, the team with the ball closest to the jack scores points.

Through boccia, work together with your teammates and get moving to make your sports day fun and engaging!

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