Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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)

LosTBring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon – LosT (Official Video)

LosTBring Me The Horizon

This time, we’re featuring the latest single “LosT” from Bring Me The Horizon, a hugely popular rock band that the UK is proud of.

Fronted by Oliver Sykes and consisting of five members—Lee Malia, Matt Kean, Jordan Fish, and Matt Nicholls—Bring Me The Horizon began with deathcore, moved through metalcore, and has undergone a musical evolution that actively embraces elements of pop and electronica.

Released in May 2023, the track is a lead single from the album POST HUMAN: NEX GEN and is also featured on the soundtrack of the game NHL 24.

The music video generated buzz as well, with a cameo by actor Thomas Ian Nicholas.

Set to an up-tempo sound reminiscent of emo and pop punk, “LosT” portrays the struggles of a protagonist searching for meaning amid loneliness and self-doubt.

For those carrying emotional pain, it’s a song that offers both empathy and hope.

Use it as background music for a school sports day, and it’s sure to give students competing on the field the courage to take one more step forward.

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APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT. (Official Music Video)

APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

This track stands out with a pop-rock sound full of wave-riding rhythm and powerful energy.

It’s a collaboration between Rosé, the main vocalist of Korea’s BLACKPINK, and 15-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars.

Released in October 2024, it topped the charts in more than 25 countries worldwide.

Inspired by a drinking game popular among young people, it deftly weaves together the exhilaration of a party and the sweetness of romance.

The wistful vocals and edgy guitar work blend seamlessly, resulting in a polished, sophisticated song.

It’s perfect for boosting team motivation at school sports festivals or anytime you want to hype up the crowd with powerful chants.

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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.

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EspressoSabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso

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.

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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.

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