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 (21–30)

ParadiseColdplay

Coldplay – Paradise (Official Video)
ParadiseColdplay

It’s a song by a British rock band that is acclaimed worldwide.

The track is truly grand, with a beautiful melody that flows at a lively pace.

I think it’s a great classic to beautifully enhance events like school sports festivals and athletic meets while creating a magnificent sense of excitement.

Poker FaceLady Gaga

Lady Gaga – Poker Face (Official Music Video)
Poker FaceLady Gaga

This is a song by an American Grammy-winning singer who enjoys a certain level of recognition in Japan.

The track is upbeat and high-tempo, showcasing Lady Gaga’s powerful vocals.

I think it’s a classic that brings the perfect energy and excitement to school sports festivals and athletic events.

Eye Of The TigerSurvivor

Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)
Eye Of The TigerSurvivor

A song by Survivor, an American rock band whose name was chosen to evoke the idea of being “survivors of American rock,” which rose to popularity in the mid-1980s.

As the theme song for the film Rocky III, it became a worldwide hit and is often heard in Japan across a wide range of contexts, from variety shows to sports programs.

The lyrics, which convey a strong determination that mirrors the film’s story, are perfect for boosting your adrenaline before a big moment.

With piercing high-range vocals and intense guitar work, it’s a cool rock tune you’ll want to play before events at school sports days and athletic meets.

Uptown FunkMark Ronson

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars
Uptown FunkMark Ronson

This is a super uplifting funk track by DJ Mike Ronson.

The opening guitar, the effectively used synthesizers, and above all, the break coming out of the verse that sends the energy soaring, followed by an explosive chorus, make a strong impression.

Listening to this song makes your body move naturally and lifts your spirits.

Let yourself be carried by the power of the horn section and the vocals.

Runaway BabyBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby (Official Lyric Video)
Runaway BabyBruno Mars

A captivating track whose driving sound evokes 1960s R&B and rock, highlighted by Bruno Mars’s powerful vocals.

Included on his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans and released in October 2010, the song is told from the perspective of a playboy, depicting how he attracts someone yet ultimately walks away.

With its punchy beat and funky guitar riffs, it delivered a show-stopping performance that dazzled the audience at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards in 2012.

Also used as the opening theme for the film Friends with Benefits, this energetic number is perfect for amping up cheer routines and party scenes.