[For Middle Schoolers] A Comprehensive Introduction to Fun Sports Day Events We Recommend!
You want the once-a-year sports festival to be a wonderful event where you can have fun while working together with your classmates and teammates, right?
In this article, we introduce interesting events recommended for junior high school sports festivals.
We’ve gathered some slightly unusual events that will let not only students who are good at sports but also those who aren’t laugh and have a great time.
In addition to events that add a twist to the classics, there are also thrilling events where the outcome doesn’t depend on athletic ability.
Be sure to include them in your program and make your sports festival fun and exciting!
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[For Middle Schoolers] A Big Introduction to Fun, Recommended Events for the Sports Festival! (21–30)
centipede race
As a relay variation, we recommend the “centipede race.” In this event, multiple runners line up one behind another and run while connected.
There are two ways to connect: either holding onto the person in front or tying participants’ legs together with a rope.
It’s similar to a three-legged race, and you can run it on a regular track.
The person at the front calls out a rhythm so everyone can synchronize their steps.
You can also run in teams of about five and then relay to the next team.
Keeping the group size moderate helps reduce the chance of falling.
the eye of a typhoon
“Eye of the Typhoon” is an event where teams of four or five run a course to the finish line while all holding a long pole.
Several traffic cones are placed along the course, and the rule is to make one full turn around each cone.
When turning, the people near the center must step in place, while those on the outside have to take a wide path, so teamwork is essential.
Also, because pulling on the pole creates centripetal force toward the outside, it’s crucial to craft strategies such as placing faster runners on the outside.
Shedding a snake’s skin
As a slightly unusual event, let me introduce “Snake Shedding.” First, several people line up one behind another and grab the belt attached to the person in front of them.
They start running, and at the midpoint, beginning from the person in the back, they each fall onto their backs in sequence.
Because this looks like a snake shedding its skin, it’s called “Snake Shedding.” After that, everyone gets back up and sprints to the finish, competing for the fastest time.
It may look complicated at first glance, but what you do is actually quite simple.
Give it a try!
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.
Bagworm relay
How about trying a bagworm relay that looks as cute as a little bagworm? It’s called the “bagworm relay” because participants, tucked into burlap sacks, look just like bagworms.
Using large burlap sacks sold at home improvement stores, you cover about half your body and hop toward the finish line.
The faster you try to go, the greater the risk of falling, so keep an eye on the time but proceed carefully.
Swedish relay
In a Swedish relay, the later a runner’s turn, the longer the distance they run.
This event became popular in Sweden in the 1910s and was named after its country of origin.
Victory hinges on which teammates you choose and the order in which they run.
You might, for example, put a strong starter or sprinter first, and place a middle-distance specialist last—there are many possible strategies.
It’s a unique event that helps strengthen bonds with classmates.
Be sure to try it and experience the distinctive fun that sets it apart from a regular relay.
Five-person, six-legs giant ball roll
Isn’t the classic sports day event where teams roll a large ball to the finish line called “ōdama korogashi” (giant ball rolling)? If the usual version feels a bit tame, how about adding a twist with “Five-People, Six-Legs Giant Ball Rolling”? Form teams of five, tie their legs together with a rope so they’re moving in a five-people, six-legs formation, and have them roll the giant ball.
Since their legs won’t move as freely, the teamwork of the five players is tested even more! It’s also a great event for strengthening bonds, so consider adding it to your sports day program.