[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!
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[For Elementary Schools] Unique Events That Make Sports Day More Fun (21–30)
Samurai sword-fighting (chambara) battle
The “Chanbara Battle,” which tests concentration and teamwork, is sure to be a hit at a junior high school sports festival.
Split into teams, wield foam swords, and knock off the life balls attached to your opponents’ arms.
The team that knocks off the most life balls wins! Decide whether to set a time limit for the game or play until all of one team’s balls are knocked off, depending on the festival schedule.
Since it’s chanbara, it could also be fun to don samurai warlord-style costumes for the battle!
flag
Flags with synchronized movements make a perfect event for a sports day.
When preparing, the color and design of the flags will also be key points.
Choose colors that stand out even from a distance to brighten up the venue—highly recommended.
When waving the flags, keep enough distance to avoid bumping into others, and make sure to grip the flagpole firmly so you don’t drop it.
Pick music with a rhythm that both participants and spectators can enjoy, and make it a wonderful sports day!
[For Elementary Schools] Unique Events That Make Sports Day More Fun (31–40)
Paper Airplane Contest
Paper airplanes are something almost everyone played with as a child.
There are as many ways to fold them as there are people, and the different methods don’t just change how they look—they also affect how they fly and how far they go.
Many of us probably experimented as kids to find the folding style that flies the best.
This is an idea to enjoy those paper airplanes as an event in a mini sports day.
It could be a competition that even people who aren’t confident in their athletic abilities can really enjoy.
bucket brigade
A bucket brigade is when multiple people form a line and pass buckets of water to the next person.
It’s also used as a drill for firefighting.
The key is to pass the buckets in rhythm to songs or clapping.
You can split into teams and compete on speed, or decide the winner by how much water remains, which will liven up a field day.
Although simple, it’s an event that requires teamwork, making it a great way to strengthen bonds with classmates.
Give it a try—it’s an activity that people of all ages, from children to adults, can enjoy.
Dancing Tamaire
When it comes to unique events that let you enjoy dancing and beanbag tossing at the same time, Dancing Tamaire takes the spotlight.
The competition is divided into two parts: a dance segment performed to music, and a beanbag-tossing segment that starts when the music stops.
The excitement of “I just want to throw the beanbag in front of me!” really amps up the fun.
For a company sports day, trying a high-difficulty dance track is also recommended.
You can focus on the dance, or go all-in on the beanbag toss—either approach works.
Add this upbeat event to your sports day and get both kids and adults energized!
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!
Giant Ball Lifting
Team up and compete by tossing a giant ball as many times as you can in “Giant Ball Lifting.” It’s not only exciting—it’s also a great way to strengthen bonds among teammates.
Participants step inside a large circle drawn on the ground and keep the ball aloft with consecutive tosses, but the attempt ends if they step outside the circle.
Even with several people tossing, launching the giant ball into the air takes real strength.
It’s more draining than it looks, so both participants and supporters should bring plenty of energy and enthusiasm!