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.

Recommended Western cheer songs for sports days and athletic festivals: World cheer anthems (101–110)

HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Official Video)
HappyPharrell Williams

A supremely groovy, danceable track from Pharrell Williams, who’s active not only in music but also as a fashion and art producer.

His delicate, high-register vocals and the steadily driving beat are irresistibly smooth and feel-good.

It’s the kind of song that makes your body sway if you let your guard down, and might have you breaking into a dance while walking—perfect for a light, smooth-sailing day.

Um Chagga LaggaPixies

PIXIES – Um Chagga Lagga (Official Video)
Um Chagga LaggaPixies

For school sports days and athletic festivals, “Um Chagga Lagga” is perfect for pumping up the crowd.

This Pixies track bursts with energetic sound that conveys heat and excitement the moment you hear it.

Its catchy, memorable rhythm is ideal for boosting team spirit.

Plus, by incorporating Western music that’s not usually played, you can create a stylish atmosphere that sets you apart from other schools.

It’s sure to be a hit with younger audiences, too.

For your next sports day or festival, definitely give “Um Chagga Lagga” a try.

Its energy-charged sound will liven up the event.

I hope this helps with your music selection.

Kick Out the JamsRage Against The Machine

The original is MC5’s “Kick Out the Jams,” but the Rage Against the Machine version is even more energetic and has broader appeal.

It’s the kind of song that motivates you to push through the afternoon session after the lunch break at a sports day.

With a powerful drive that makes you want to start running and a bright, upbeat vibe, it’s sure to ignite the competitive spirit of the athletes.

Playing this track will lift the energy of the whole venue and make the sports festival even more fun.

Embraced by multiple generations, this song is the perfect cheer anthem for those who want to pick a stylish Western track.

Can’t Be TouchedRoy Jones Jr

Roy Jones Jr. – Can’t Be Touched (Official Music Video- Clean Version)
Can't Be TouchedRoy Jones Jr

Roy Jones Jr., who conquered four weight classes in boxing and became a world champion, has also pursued a career as a rapper after retiring.

“Can’t Be Touched,” included on his 2004 album Body Head Bangerz: Volume One, is a track that channels the fierce, relentless fighting spirit you’d expect from a former boxer.

It’s perfect for school sports days and cheer battles, so I highly recommend it!

With MeSUM41

This is a song by a popular American pop-punk band.

The chorus has incredible drive and power, and the guitar rock sound really stands out.

I think it’s a perfect Western classic to hype up school sports festivals or athletic events, and I highly recommend it.