RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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

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] (71–80)

Carry OnKygo & Rita Ora’s

Carry On (from the Original Motion Picture “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu”) (Official Video)
Carry OnKygo & Rita Ora’s

This is the track “Carry On,” a collaboration between Kygo, a producer known for tropical house, and singer Rita Ora.

It was the theme song for the film Detective Pikachu, which was shocking in many ways.

Isn’t it already a hit with kids, too? The stylish piano sound matches Rita Ora’s clear, transparent vocals perfectly.

The warm message woven into the song is also moving.

It’s a track that gets you excited without being too intense!

Fireball ft. John RyanPitbull

Pitbull – Fireball (Official Video) ft. John Ryan
Fireball ft. John RyanPitbull

This track masterfully weaves elements of samba and Eurodance, creating a song that truly ignites the dance floor.

The powerful rap delivered by Miami-born rapper Pitbull and John Ryan’s robust vocals blend in perfect balance, compelling listeners to move naturally.

Released as a single from the album “Globalization” in July 2014, it dominated charts around the world, hitting No.

1 in the Netherlands and achieving international success.

Beloved and widely used in films such as Shaun the Sheep and Zootopia, this song’s upbeat rhythm and bright atmosphere make it perfect for dance performances at school sports days and festivals.

Packed with Latin passion, it has the power to unite the hearts of all participants.

Baby (Breakbot Remix)PNAU

With a retro sound that lets listeners of all ages groove along, this is “Baby,” a track released in 2013 by Pnau, an electronica trio from Australia! Gentle yet sophisticated piano, nostalgic drum beats, and a bassline that gets the audience moving—it’s a wonderfully easy-to-listen-to song.

The slightly distant children’s vocals also create a lovely atmosphere.

It’s an adorable track that would be perfect for lower elementary school kids to dance to!

[Latest & Classic] Recommended Western Music BGM for Sports Days & Athletic Festivals [2026] (81–90)

We Will Rock You (Dean Cohen Remix)Queen

Queen – We Will Rock You (Dean Cohen Remix)
We Will Rock You (Dean Cohen Remix)Queen

When it comes to classic sports day anthems, Queen’s “We Will Rock You” is the one, right? That stomping, the clapping, and Freddie Mercury’s rousing calls—it’s the perfect track to fire up the competitors’ fighting spirit.

In 2018, Queen’s biographical film “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a huge hit.

Even so, there are still lots of kids who look blank and go, “What song is this?” Unfortunately, to ears tuned to modern pop, it just doesn’t sound familiar.

But I totally understand teachers who want those kids to appreciate how great Queen is.

In times like that, let’s meet in the middle and get them used to this remix version first! Don’t worry—this song will surely spark their interest in Queen!

Eye Of The TigerSurvivor

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

Eye of the Tiger by the American rock band Survivor.

The guitar riff that goes “ja, jaa-ja-ja!” is incredibly striking.

The drums feel great too, and as you listen, your body naturally starts to move.

It’s still used as background music on TV and the like, so if you play it at a school sports day, there will probably be people who think, “I’ve heard this song before,” and get excited.

In particular, since it was the theme song for the movie Rocky III, it might sound especially nostalgic to parents’ generation!

Don’t Be ShyTiësto & Karol G

Tiësto & Karol G – Don’t Be Shy (Official Music Video)
Don't Be ShyTiësto & Karol G

Singer Karol G, with her unforgettable, one-of-a-kind deep voice.

Her distinctive English pronunciation, shaped by her Colombian roots, creates a vibe only she can deliver.

Released in 2021, “Don’t Be Shy” is a collaboration with Tiësto, one of the top music producers in the industry.

The track incorporates strong Latin elements at the core of Karol G’s roots, resulting in an irresistibly catchy, high-energy song.

WaterTyla

Tyla – Water (Official Music Video)
WaterTyla

Tyla is a young songstress born in 2002 from Johannesburg, South Africa.

She’s known for a style that blends a variety of genres—pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and Amapiano—paired with exceptional vocal ability and dynamic performances.

In 2019, at just 17, she released “Getting Late,” which drew significant attention, and in 2021 she signed with major label Epic Records.

Through strategic use of social media, she rapidly boosted her profile.

In particular, “Water,” released in July 2023, became explosively popular on TikTok and was used in over a million videos.

In November, a remix featuring Travis Scott and Marshmello was also released.

Her sound, sophisticated yet authentically African, is a key part of her appeal.

This work portrays, with sensuality and boldness, the feelings of a woman yearning for an intense night with her lover.

It’s a perfect track for a school sports festival soundtrack, where the thrill of competition and the excitement of youth intersect.