[For Elementary Schools] Unique Events That Make Sports Day More Fun

centipede race

2019 Oshima High School Sports Festival – 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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Costume Relay

2013 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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Paper Airplane Contest

The national paper airplane championship was a high-level neck-and-neck battle!!! [Red Bull Paper Wings 2019 Japan Final]

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Egg and Spoon Race

Egg and Spoon Race in Primary School

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!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

flag

2024 Sports Day: 5th & 6th Grade Performance – Flag “Fly High” ~Toward the Future We Draw for Ourselves~

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!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem