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Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Sports Day BGM] Carefully selected classic standards and popular hit songs perfect for the closing ceremony

After working up a sweat and experiencing both joy and frustration, the sports day comes to a close with the closing ceremony, where the winning team and top performers are honored and final remarks are given.

In this article, we introduce songs perfect for that closing ceremony.

From classical music to J-pop, we’ve gathered a wide range of tracks: songs that celebrate participants’ hard work, moving pieces that help everyone finish the event with pride, and calm tunes for cooling down.

Feel free to use them for the closing ceremony’s entrance and exit, the awards presentation, or as background music during the ceremony itself!

[Sports Day BGM] Carefully Selected Classic Standards and Popular Hit Songs Perfect for the Closing Ceremony (11–20)

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Again and Again / LOVE LOVE LOVE (from DWL2007 Live Ver.)
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

“You might succeed tomorrow… That’s why, no matter how hard it gets, stand up again and again and keep trying.” DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Nando Demo” cheers you on with words that hit you right in the heart.

It’s one of DREAMS COME TRUE’s most iconic songs, so many of you probably know it.

It’s the perfect tear-jerker for the closing ceremony BGM at a sports day or athletic festival!

majestic and dignifiedEdward Elgar

Composed by Edward Elgar, this orchestral march is a piece that exudes confidence and strength, just as its title suggests.

As an orchestral work, one of its appeals is the way it unfolds in various developments over its long duration, and the impression can change depending on which sections you focus on.

For the entrance at a closing ceremony, the sections where the instruments resound powerfully would be fitting, while the calm and grand passages would work well for the awards scene.

Precisely because it has no vocals, it can effectively heighten the atmosphere when paired with words honoring the day’s efforts.

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude” ONE PIECE Lyric MV
Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

Many of SEKAI NO OWARI’s songs are easy for high-voiced male singers to sing.

This track is a relatively new release from September 2023, and it features a simple vocal line.

It was also chosen as the opening theme for Season 25 of the anime ONE PIECE.

The lyrics carry a message about turning your weaknesses into allies and soaring high.

Because Fukase’s voice is so high, it’s hard to notice, but most of the melody actually sits in the mid range.

It’s a perfect pick for those who can hit high notes but struggle to control their falsetto.

Highly recommended for people who want to celebrate their hard work at a school sports day closing ceremony.

threadNakajima Miyuki

With its soothing vocals and warm lyrics, Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito” seems perfect for playing during award ceremonies or teacher remarks to create a moving atmosphere.

The lyrics are highly recommended, too—use the song to celebrate and share the joy of the children’s efforts and the sweat they shed throughout the day.

The line “You are the vertical thread, I am the horizontal thread” can help everyone reflect on cooperating with teammates and competing together as you head into the closing ceremony.

Be sure to listen to the vocalist’s powerful, straightforward singing—it’ll make the sports day one to remember.

The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJON FIRIPPU SŪZA

Sousa: March "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (1976)
The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJON FIRIPPU SŪZA

The Stars and Stripes Forever, composed in 1896 by the American composer John Philip Sousa.

Although the piece was originally positioned as a march meant to inspire Americans to cherish their own country, it has since become a famous march in other nations, including Japan, and is often used at opening and closing ceremonies of school sports days.

Its lively, handclap-inducing melody and calming, cool-down arrangement are moving—be sure to give it a listen!

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video
Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu is a folk duo known for hit songs like Natsuiro (1998) and Itsuka (1999).

Their song Eikou no Kakehashi carries a message that no matter the outcome, it’s okay to keep looking forward and moving on—perfect for a closing ceremony.

The lyrics, which seem to acknowledge all the hard work up to now, are sure to resonate after everyone’s efforts.

Also, it’s a very famous song in pop music, so it’s a great choice for everyone to sing together.

If the whole team sings it, it will make for a truly wonderful memory.

[Sports Day BGM] Carefully selected classic standards and popular hit songs perfect for the closing ceremony (21–30)

DearMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Dear」Official Music Video
DearMrs. GREEN APPLE

This song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE carries an inspiring message filled with hope.

With powerful vocals and delicate melodies blending together, it’s an emotional track that has captured the hearts of many listeners.

Released in May 2024, the piece was created as the theme song for the film “Dear Family.” The band has released numerous hit albums, including “Twelve” and “Ensemble.” The theme of this work—“the power of hope and love to overcome hardship”—is perfect for a sports day closing ceremony.

Why not listen to it as a way to express gratitude to your teammates for their hard work and to embrace a positive outlook on the future?