![[For Elementary Schools] Unique Events That Make Sports Day More Fun](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/yEmNzcozGXY/maxresdefault.webp)
[For Elementary Schools] Unique Events That Make Sports Day More Fun
Elementary school sports days usually feature classic events like relays and tamaire (ball toss), but having a few quirky events would make things even more exciting! Here, we introduce unique activities that are perfect for elementary school sports days.
We’ve gathered a variety of events that will make you laugh, seem easy but are surprisingly tricky.
They’re designed so that kids who are great at sports and those who are a bit less confident can all enjoy them together.
Team up with friends, try small challenges, and have a great time together at your sports day!
[For Elementary Schools] Unique Events That Make Sports Day More Fun (1–10)
Giant Baton Relay
Wouldn’t it be fun to make the relay baton gigantic? How about adding a uniquely eye-catching “Giant Baton Relay” to your sports day events? All you do is supersize the baton used in regular class relays! It’s perfect when you want visual impact and a good laugh.
For older grades, one person can carry one giant baton, but if younger children are doing it, it might be better to have two or three kids run together carrying a single baton.
Hula hoop relay
Let’s clear the game by cooperating with friends! Here’s an idea for a hula-hoop relay.
It’s perfect for a sports day event for five-year-olds and is a great game for building teamwork.
Everyone holds hands and, without letting go, passes the hula hoop from person to person—working together is the key! Children will learn the importance of cooperation as they value teamwork and call out to encourage each other.
Through this event, they’ll deepen their bonds with friends and experience a real sense of accomplishment.
Cross Tug-of-War
A competition that adds a twist to tug-of-war, where winners are usually decided by simple tests of strength.
Ropes extend in four directions from a central ring, and teams pull against each other; the team that drags the center section into their own territory wins.
In addition to the pure strength element of tug-of-war, various strategies come into play, such as temporary cooperation with rival teams and inventive pulling techniques.
Even when there’s a raw power gap, a strategic approach can turn the tide, which helps reduce inequality.
Since cooperation and betrayal are the keys to victory, just be careful not to let any hard feelings linger after the match.
Big Pants Race
The event where two people wear an oversized pair of pants and run to the finish line is called the “Deka-pan Race.” It’s similar to a three-legged race, but it’s great if you’re aiming for visual impact.
Form teams of two, with each person putting one leg into the big pants, and run together.
If it’s a relay, treat the big pants like a baton and pass them to the next runner.
It’s also a recommended event for parents and children.
Since the key is the two participants’ synchronized teamwork and trust, why not give it a try to strengthen your bond?
Shedding a snake’s skin
It’s a sport with a quirky look that’s fun to watch and great for building teamwork.
Participants wear belts around their waists, and others grab on from behind to form a long line.
In that formation, they run to a designated spot.
Once they arrive, starting from the person at the very back, they each lie down on their backs in order.
When the person who was at the front manages to lie down, everyone starts getting back up in order from that person, and they head straight for the finish line.
Since judgments are needed for the moments when participants lie down and stand up, assigning a referee to each team helps the event run smoothly.
Synchronizing your movements and communicating with each other are the keys to victory in this competition.
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.
Moving beanbag toss
This is a variation of tamaire, the game where you throw balls into a basket.
One representative wears a basket on their back and runs around during a time limit, while the opposing team tries to throw balls into that basket.
Because it’s also a game of cornering the fleeing basket, you can enjoy each side’s strategies.
The more heated the match gets, the more vigorously everyone moves, so we’d like players to have fun while being careful to avoid injuries.
Since balls may spill out of the basket during intense movement, it could be interesting to impose a penalty when they’re dropped.