[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)
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!
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)
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!
Rag-wiping relay
How about turning floor wiping into a sport and enjoying it as a relay? You don’t see this style of wiping floors much these days, but you might come across it in old stories or fairy tales.
You place the rag on the floor, press it with your hands, and dash forward, sliding it along the floor—then, since it’s a relay, you hurry to the turnaround point and come back to hand off to the next person.
Setting up cones and making a course where you swing around in a U-turn could make it even more exciting!
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!
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.
Costume Relay
A relay—where teammates pass the baton and sprint for first place—is one of the most exciting events at a school sports day.
This variation aims to make the relay visually fun as well.
The rules remain exactly the same; only the runners’ costumes change.
It can be entertaining if participants each come up with their own costumes, but specifying costume categories could also boost the game-like feel and make it more engaging.
By balancing hard-to-run-in and easy-to-run-in costumes across each team, gaps are less likely to widen, keeping the race intense.
The result will be a curious atmosphere that combines flair and fervor.
