RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Western pop/rock cheer songs recommended for sports days and athletic festivals. Cheer songs from around the world.

Sports days and cultural festivals bring together all grades, so they’re some of the most anticipated school events.

At these events, music is also a key element for energizing the venue!

Of course, Japanese songs are classics, but many people probably want to pick some stylish Western tracks too.

So in this article, we’ll introduce plenty of Western pump-up songs that are perfect for sports days and athletic festivals!

From timeless tracks that make you want to start running the moment you hear them, to the latest hits hugely popular with younger generations, we’ve got a full lineup—use it as a reference for your playlist.

Cheer songs in Western music recommended for sports days and athletic festivals: World cheer songs (71–80)

My GirlsAnimal Collective

Animal Collective – My Girls (Official Video)
My GirlsAnimal Collective

When it comes to songs perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals, isn’t the classic track released in January 2009 by Animal Collective the ideal pick? Released as a single from the album Merriweather Post Pavilion, it features an experimental sound that fuses electronica with psychedelic elements.

With lyrics themed around deep love for family and a critique of materialism, it could prompt students to reflect on what truly matters.

Highly acclaimed—selected as Pitchfork Media’s number one song of 2009—this track is perfect as background music for relays or dance performances.

Its sparkling melodies and dynamic rhythms are sure to energize the entire venue!

We Don’t Need a HeroEdguy

This is a track by a popular German melodic power metal band.

Among their songs, this one stands out as remarkably melodic and catchy, and you can feel its fast-paced energy! Wouldn’t it be a perfect anthem to bring a melodic, fiery vibe to a school sports festival?

The Final CountdownEurope

Europe – The Final Countdown (Official Video)
The Final CountdownEurope

A song by Europe, a hard rock band from Sweden that can be described as a progenitor of Nordic metal, with classical arrangements and high-pitched vocals.

It’s the lead single from their third album, The Final Countdown, and many people in Japan can recognize it from the intro alone, since it’s been used in various contexts.

The beat, which evokes a strong, purposeful stride, boosts your spirits before a big moment.

With its majestic synth sound and powerful vocals pushing you forward, it’s guaranteed to hype up any school sports day or athletic event as the perfect BGM.

SomedayFlipsyde

Flipsyde – Someday (Revised)
SomedayFlipsyde

When it comes to music genres perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals, hip-hop is the top choice, isn’t it? Not the relaxed, slow flow of trap, but the driving, fast-paced hip-hop of the 2000s feels ideal for intense events like sprint races.

“Someday,” a classic by Flipsyde, is a rock-tinged hip-hop track with an exhilarating sense of momentum throughout.

The dynamic progression created by the smooth vocals and New School-style rap is truly breathtaking!

I Want OutHelloween

HELLOWEEN – I Want Out (Official Music Video)
I Want OutHelloween

This is a song by a globally popular German melodic power metal band.

Among their tracks, it’s one of the catchiest and brightest, featuring a beautiful guitar solo.

Perfect for energizing a school sports festival with a melodic touch!

Move Your FeetJunior Senior

Junior Senior – Move Your Feet (Official music video, HD)
Move Your FeetJunior Senior

A fervent dance anthem released in 2002 by Junior Senior, the Danish dance-pop duo that embodies the essence of dance music.

With energetic beats and a unifying, positive message, it celebrates the joy of people coming together through music.

Featured on the album “D-D-Don’t Don’t Stop the Beat,” the track became a major hit, peaking at No.

3 on the UK Singles Chart, and was featured in the films “White Chicks” and “Trolls.” Its distinctive pixel-art music video also drew attention, with visuals by Shynola winning over many viewers.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to unite everyone—like at school sports days—or to amp up the energy at a party.

Part Of MeKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Part Of Me (Official)
Part Of MeKaty Perry

This is a motivational song that combines a powerful beat with a defiant message.

It is a signature work by American singer-songwriter Katy Perry, released as a single in February 2012 and included on the album Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection.

Portraying a woman who overcomes heartbreak and regains her strength, the song celebrates self-affirmation and an indomitable spirit.

It debuted at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sparked a huge response worldwide.

It can be used effectively as a cheer song for school sports festivals and athletic meets, uniting teams as they strive toward their goals.

It’s a perfect track for anyone who has faced setbacks yet wants to keep believing in their own potential.