[Adult Sports Day] Fun Activities and Games for Grown-Ups & Classic Events
When you think of a sports day, it probably brings to mind a school event.
However, these days, some adults also hold sports days to boost teamwork at work or to deepen friendships among friends.
That said, when it actually comes time to plan one, it can be hard to think of events that suit adults, or you might struggle with what to choose because there are so many types of competitions.
In this article, we’ll introduce recommended events for an adults’ sports day!
We’ve gathered not only classic events and physically demanding ones, but also activities that let you use your head and have fun.
Use this as a reference when deciding on your lineup.
Let’s strengthen our bonds through a sports day!
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[Adult Sports Day] Events and games adults can enjoy, plus classic competitions (21–30)
UFO
A team competition where all participants form a shape like a UFO and work together.
Its unique rule is to carry a large balance ball on their backs without dropping it.
Several people stand in a circle, back to back, supporting the ball and moving forward while calling out to one another, creating a scene that looks like a UFO floating in the air.
Because it requires cooperation and a sense of balance, it’s enjoyable for everyone regardless of age or fitness level.
People naturally speak up and smile more, and the team’s sense of unity grows stronger.
Even those who aren’t good at sports can shine, and everyone shares a strong feeling of accomplishment when it’s over.
Egg and Spoon Race
The Egg & Spoon Race demands concentration and stability.
If using real eggs is not allowed, use a ball that fits on a spoon instead.
Participants line up side by side and get ready by placing the ball on their spoon.
At the starting signal, they move forward, keeping the arm not holding the spoon behind their back as they walk.
If the ball drops, they should restart from that spot.
You can also add variations—switch the spoon to a ladle, or prepare balls in various sizes and have participants draw lots to choose—there are plenty of ways to make it fun.
Try incorporating it into your sports day!
obstacle course
Let me introduce an obstacle course that’s guaranteed to get everyone excited.
From the start to the finish, several obstacles are set up along the way.
Tackle each obstacle, and once you clear it, move on to the next.
If you can’t clear one, you’ll have to try again as many times as it takes.
It’s a good idea to do some mental rehearsal before you start.
When choosing obstacles to set up, include activities that are approachable even for people who aren’t confident in sports.
Find a spacious area and enjoy the challenge safely, without injuries!
Kusudama breaking
Kusudama-breaking, where you hit a decorative ball to split it open, is an easy-to-understand and exciting event.
The glittering streamers that burst out make it clear when a team wins, which is a nice touch.
When preparing the kusudama, it’s essential to adjust how much impact is needed for it to open.
Getting it to break with just the right amount of force can be tricky, but to avoid a situation where “no team could break it” on the big day, it’s a good idea to run a few rehearsals beforehand.
Jumbo Baton Relay
It’s a unique sports day event that will make you smile just by watching the athletes perform.
Four representatives from each team compete in a relay, running 100 meters each.
The twist is that instead of a regular baton, they use a jumbo baton so large it takes both hands to hold.
Just running is tough, and securely passing this oversized baton is surprisingly difficult—sure to draw spontaneous cheers from the crowd.
Interference is prohibited, so accuracy and teamwork matter more than speed.
Seeing the runners sprint with serious expressions while gripping the baton will naturally make spectators cheer harder.
It’s an event that captivates both children and adults, making it a perfect centerpiece for a sports day.
Hula hoop relay
This is a relay where two people run together inside a hula hoop.
Mark the start line and the turnaround point, divide into several teams, and at the starting signal, each team’s first pair runs.
They go around the turnaround point, return to the start, and pass the hula hoop to the next pair.
The team whose last pair gets back to the start first wins! If you don’t match your speeds, you might lose balance and fall, so go at the fastest pace you can manage together.
At the turnaround point, it helps to have the person on the inside act as the pivot to turn smoothly!
Gesture Telephone Game
The gesture-based telephone game that’s familiar from TV variety shows is easy to start and enjoy.
The rules are simple: the clue-giver conveys a prompt—something like “roller coaster”—using only gestures to the guesser.
Because it gets you moving, it can even help offset the lack of exercise from work, making it a game that kills two birds with one stone.
People who aren’t the clue-giver or the guesser also get excited watching the performance, so it’s highly recommended as a game everyone can get fired up about together!
