Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Latest & Classic] Recommended Western Music BGM for Sports Day & Athletic Festivals [2026]

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

At school sports days and athletic meets, BGM is crucial—not only for boosting the overall atmosphere, but also for motivating the students.

In the past, the go-to choices tended to be classic pieces like “Orpheus in the Underworld,” but in recent years, popular Western tracks from platforms like TikTok have also been used.

In this article, we’ve put together a selection of stylish Western songs to liven up your sports day or athletic festival, aimed at teachers who are struggling with choosing BGM.

We’ll focus on tracks that reflect the latest trends, and in the latter half we’ll also introduce timeless classics, so be sure to use this as a reference.

[Latest & Classic] Recommended Western Music BGM for Sports Day & Athletic Festival [2026] (51–60)

AS IF IT’S YOUR LASTBLACKPINK

BLACKPINK – ‘마지막처럼 (AS IF IT’S YOUR LAST)’ M/V

AS IF IT'S YOUR LASTBLACKPINK

Despite being just a single track, BLACKPINK’s 2017 release “AS IF IT’S YOUR LAST” makes you feel like you’ve listened to multiple different genres.

The A section is very rhythmic, reminiscent of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies.” Then comes a smooth, more subdued B section.

After that, the chorus explodes with hard-hitting house sounds that take the energy sky-high.

They also deliver rap verses that could rival American rappers.

It’s a song that’s guaranteed to hype up the crowd!

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Bam Bam ft. Ed SheeranCamila Cabello

Camila Cabello – Bam Bam (Official Music Video) ft. Ed Sheeran

Bam Bam ft. Ed SheeranCamila Cabello

Bam Bam is a classic collaboration between singer Camila Cabello, formerly of Fifth Harmony, and Ed Sheeran.

Although Camila Cabello is from Cuba, the song beautifully blends Latin musical elements—reflecting her roots—with Ed Sheeran’s folk and pop sensibilities.

Featuring a catchy chorus and Latin rhythms delivered through lively guitar, piano, and percussion, it’s highly accessible and leaves you feeling upbeat.

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Good TimeCarly Rae Jepsen

Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen – Good Time (Official Video)

Good TimeCarly Rae Jepsen

Since its release in 2012, this staple has been popular at sports days and athletic festivals across the country: Good Time, a collaboration between Carly Rae Jepsen and electropop artist Owl City.

The sparkling, effervescent synthesizer tones are perfect for the glittering, refreshing coming-of-age event that is the sports festival! The song’s theme is “having a great time.” If everyone listens to the same track and gets fired up together, you’re sure to make your sports festival an unforgettable memory for life!

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Light SwitchCharlie Puth

Charlie Puth – Light Switch [Official Music Video]

Light SwitchCharlie Puth

Charlie Puth is a singer-songwriter born with both a breathtakingly beautiful voice that captivates everyone and outstanding songwriting and production skills.

This is his 2022 release, Light Switch.

Overall, the arrangement is simple and minimal, but the rhythm keeps the energy up so it never feels sparse.

The sprightly, bouncing beat and vocal melodies make it a track that lifts your spirits as you listen.

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Hot StuffDonna Summer

Hot Stuff

Hot StuffDonna Summer

At sports days and athletic festivals, you want a song everyone can dance to and really get excited about, right? In terms of name recognition and an infectious groove, Hot Stuff is about as perfect as it gets.

This track was released in 1979 by Donna Summer, the singer once known as the Queen of Disco.

Many people have probably heard the intro phrase in commercials and elsewhere.

It’s a cool number featuring Donna Summer’s funky vocals over a disco beat.

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