There are so many kinds of events at sports festivals, but how about livening things up with competitions themed around the world’s grand celebration of sport—the Olympics?
Participants can enjoy feeling like athletes, and spectators are sure to have a great time getting excited too!
In this article, we’ll introduce Olympic-themed events that are easy to incorporate not only into student and adult sports festivals but also into those for children attending kindergarten or nursery school.
If you keep the Olympics in mind for costumes and decorations as well, it will be even more exciting.
Be sure to enjoy Olympic events full of personality!
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A roundup of Olympic-themed events to fire up your sports day (1–10)
Giant Volleyball
Giant Volleyball is a fun game you can play with an oversized ball! Because the ball is bigger than a regular volleyball, kids can enjoy it easily.
This game values not just strength but also teamwork.
Talk to each other, connect passes, and aim to score.
It’s also great as a field day event.
You’ll hit the ball toward the opposing team and work with friends to defend.
Since you use a large ball, even beginners can enjoy it easily—that’s a big plus.
There are comeback elements too, so try adding it to your school sports day!
Bubble ball soccer
Let me introduce Bubble Ball Soccer, played inside a large transparent inflatable called a bubble ball! The key point is that the bubble ball surrounds your body, so it’s safe even when you bump into others.
The game rules are almost the same as regular soccer: you kick the ball toward the goal.
You’ll find yourself laughing at the funny movements when players collide.
It’s also great for sports days.
Bubble Ball Soccer isn’t just about moving your body—it also emphasizes teamwork.
People of any age can enjoy it, so it could be fun to include as a parent-child event.
Please consider it as a reference for events at your sports day.
hole in one
Let me introduce a team-friendly event called “Hole-in-One.” Here’s how it works: the hitter uses a club or similar item to hit a golf ball, while the catcher chooses an original tool such as a bug-catching net, a glove, a mixing bowl, or a cup.
Using more difficult tools earns higher points.
At the end, each team totals the number of balls they caught and the points they earned, and the team with the highest score wins! Because this game requires cooperation and strategy, it’s great for livening up a sports day.
It also seems perfect for an event where children and adults can play together.
gymnastics routine
One of the most popular Olympic events is gymnastics.
In recent years, many schools have incorporated it as part of their curriculum.
Gymnastics includes various apparatus and events such as the horizontal bar, floor exercise, and uneven bars, and all of them are dynamic, so showcasing them is sure to excite the crowd.
If you include it in a sports day, it might be better to present it as a demonstration rather than a competition.
Also, beginners risk serious injury if they push themselves too hard, so please take plenty of precautions.
Archery
Let me introduce “archery,” an activity that’s sure to liven up your sports day! You can even buy simple sets at 100-yen shops or enjoy making your own.
With a few tweaks—like using larger targets or shortening the distance—anyone can have fun in different ways.
In addition to individual matches, team competitions where groups vie for points are also recommended.
It’s even more engaging if you assign point values based on where the arrows hit the target.
With a bit of creativity, both kids and adults can enjoy it together, so use this as a reference and try adding archery to your sports day!
futsal
How about incorporating futsal into your sports day? Split into several teams and have each team wear different-colored bandanas to boost team spirit.
The only rules you need are to aim for the goal with the ball and avoid bumping into others.
Keep the matches short so lots of teams can take turns playing, which makes it even more fun.
When someone scores, make sure everyone celebrates together! It’s also great to form a cheering squad to support your teammates.
The most important thing is for everyone to have a good time and strengthen your bonds.
Have a fantastic sports day!
Touchdown
In recent years, one of the sports that has been especially popular is rugby.
In the Olympics, rugby sevens is an official event.
Because the rules are complex, I think it’s difficult to include it as-is in a school sports day.
However, if you incorporate elements of rugby, it will feel fresh and get everyone excited.
A recommended option is a “touchdown” event.
In this activity, participants advance while dribbling a rugby ball, then at the turnaround point, they carry the ball back.
Give it a try!