RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

From classics to fan favorites! A catalog of music and BGM to liven up your sports day

Many people struggle with choosing songs for sports day, don’t they?

Here, we introduce perfect tracks for each scene—from classic staples ideal for sports day to upbeat J-pop and Western hits that get everyone excited!

Well-known songs can hype up the crowd, but using the same ones every year can get old…

We’ve curated a selection of tracks to solve that problem.

You’ll find refreshing tunes that make you want to start running and motivational anthems that give you courage.

Use this article as a guide to make your sports day even more fun and exciting!

Foreign music BGM (1–10)

Harder Than You ThinkPublic Enemy

Public Enemy – Harder Than You Think – UK Paralympics Version
Harder Than You ThinkPublic Enemy

Many people can’t help but feel their hearts swell when they hear the resounding blare of horns and a heavy, thunderous beat.

Public Enemy—a group that changed hip-hop history with socially charged messages and innovative sound.

The classic “Harder Than You Think” comes from their 2007 album, How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?, released to mark the group’s 20th anniversary.

In fact, years after its release, the track enjoyed a massive resurgence when it was used in Channel 4’s campaign for the London 2012 Paralympics in August, becoming a huge hit in the UK.

Its powerful lyrics and sound, which feel like they’re pushing back against adversity, make it perfect before a sporting event or at any crucial moment when you want to fire yourself up.

Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan – “Good Luck, Babe!” (Live From The 2024 MTV VMAs)
Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan

An exhilarating, edgy pop tune was released to the world in April 2024 by American artist Chappell Roan.

Centered on themes of self-liberation and the pursuit of truth, the track boldly expresses hidden emotions and inner conflict, seamlessly blending powerful vocals with a striking melodic line.

Hailing from Missouri, Roan began posting on YouTube at the age of 14 and made a major impact on the music scene with her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.

She is a standout artist who has garnered high acclaim, including five Grammy nominations.

Used as background music for school sports days or athletic festivals, its vibrant, dynamic sound is sure to energize the entire venue.

EspressoSabrina Carpenter

Its addictive sound, which skillfully blends pop and funk, is captivating.

This work by American artist Sabrina Carpenter, who likens her own charm to “espresso,” drew attention as the lead track from the album Short n’ Sweet, released in April 2024.

With energetic beats and playful lyrics, the song portrays women’s confidence and allure in a positive light.

Its lyrics, shining with self-assurance and a sense of humor, went viral on social media platforms like TikTok and became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100.

Used for entrance scenes at sports days or athletic festivals, it can be expected to boost participants’ motivation.

Its powerful beat and positive message make it a perfect track to elevate the event’s atmosphere.

A Bar Song (Tipsy)Shaboozey

Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy) [Official Visualizer]
A Bar Song (Tipsy)Shaboozey

Shaboozey, an American artist who has opened up new ground by skillfully fusing country and hip-hop, vividly captures the feelings of young people who, overwhelmed by their daily work, gather at bars with friends to escape reality.

The song became a major hit, spending 19 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 starting in April 2024.

Its crisp rhythm and funky sound make it perfect for entrance scenes and group performances at school sports festivals.

It boosts students’ morale and transforms the entire venue into a space brimming with unity.

In May 2024, it was also performed on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show, bringing its appeal to a global audience.

We can highly recommend it as an energetic, crowd-pleasing number that’s ideal for use at athletic events.

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira

Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Song)
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira

Unfolding with dynamic energy, this pop number overflows with African spirit atop a powerful, groovy rhythm.

The celebratory sound woven by Colombia’s Shakira and South African band Freshlyground is sure to be the ultimate BGM to fire up any sports day.

Released in May 2010, the track gained worldwide popularity as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, selling over 15 million copies globally.

It topped the charts in 15 countries and has amassed over 4 billion views on YouTube.

Blending a feverish, danceable beat with the spirit of football, this song is a perfect match for sporting events—powerfully propelling athletes toward victory and uniting the entire venue in a shared sense of excitement.

greedyTate McRae

Tate McRae – greedy (Official Video)
greedyTate McRae

Tate McRae is a Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer born in 2003.

She gained attention through her performances on the dance show So You Think You Can Dance, began releasing original songs through her “Create With Tate” series, and made her major-label debut with RCA Records in 2019.

Her second studio album, Think Later, featuring the lead single “greedy,” was released in September 2023.

“greedy” combines a contemporary R&B and dance-pop sound with candid lyrics co-written with Ryan Tedder and others, showcasing Tate’s artistic growth.

The song conveys confident self-expression while exploring the complexities of self-awareness in relationships, acknowledging one’s own allure while also warning of the challenges that come with it.

Its self-assured lyrics and aggressive sound make it a perfect track to energize events like school sports days and athletic festivals.

Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – Pump It (Official Music Video)
Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas

This is a signature track by the Black Eyed Peas, notable for its grand sound that samples the surf rock classic “Misirlou.” Its energetic guitar riff, heavy beats, and lyrics that express a full-bodied passion for music blend perfectly, creating an irresistible pull for listeners.

Released in May 2005 as a track on the album Monkey Business, it achieved international success, reaching the top 10 in 13 countries worldwide.

It was also featured on the soundtracks of the films Little Man and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, and its overwhelming presence has made it a favorite across various media.

It’s also ideal as background music for school sports days or athletic events, making it a perfect choice to boost participants’ motivation and enhance the sense of unity at the venue.