Western Songs Ranking That Hype Up Sports Days and Athletic Festivals [2025]

5 Seconds Of SummerYoungblood50rank/position

Youngblood

At school sports festivals, in addition to competitions and cheering battles, each grade often puts on performances like group gymnastics and dance.

The themes vary, but especially in the upper grades, students deliver truly goosebump-inducing performances set to serious tracks.

A highly recommended song to use at such times is “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer.

With verses full of atmosphere and a chorus that radiates strength and raw energy, it’s an incredibly cool track!

DesireCalvin Harris, Sam Smith51rank/position

Calvin Harris, Sam Smith – Desire (Official Video)

A track where beats fill the gleaming floor and ear-pleasing melodies intersect.

Calvin Harris’s production is polished, and Sam Smith’s crystalline vocals stand out even more.

Released in July 2023, this marks their first collaboration in five years.

Its relaxed mid-tempo feel may make it approachable for listeners outside the English-speaking world.

It’s perfect for cheerleading and cheer dance, brimming with the kind of appeal that captivates an audience in an instant.

Born from the strong affinity between Calvin Harris and Sam Smith, this track also comes highly recommended as a party tune.

Runaway BabyBruno Mars52rank/position

Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby (Official Lyric Video)

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.

Genghis Khan (also refers to a Japanese grilled mutton dish called 'Jingisukan')Dschinghis Khan53rank/position

Genghis Khan (1979) with lyrics

The song inspired by the Mongolian hero Genghis Khan became a worldwide hit starting in Japan in 1979.

For a time, it was used as entrance and exit music and as a dance track at many schools.

Nowadays, most elementary schools do not do radio calisthenics; instead, they conduct warm-up exercises and stretches in a dance format.

Because of its lively rhythm, some schools still use it for warm-up dances.

Never Surrender2Pac54rank/position

2PAC – Never Surrender [MOTIVATION]

The legendary hip-hop king representing the West Coast, 2Pac.

Any true head knows he’s a great rapper.

Among his works, the track that’s especially perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals is “Never Surrender.” Even at a school sports day, it’s ultimately about competition.

The track’s hard-edged lyrics and flow match the intense, head-to-head atmosphere perfectly.

It’ll boost the athletes’ motivation too, so definitely give it a listen.

Stay (Don’t Go Away)David Guetta feat Raye55rank/position

David Guetta feat Raye – Stay (Don’t Go Away) (Official Video)

With a classic house dance beat and a bouncy bassline, this is “Stay (Don’t Go Away),” a collaboration between David Guetta and Raye.

Raye’s beautiful vocals match perfectly.

The bassline in particular is light and lively, making you want to move your feet to the rhythm.

How about using it as BGM for a sports day or school athletic festival?

Car Keys (Ayla)Alok & Ava Max56rank/position

Alok & Ava Max – Car Keys (Ayla) Official Video

Ava Max is a female singer energizing the global electropop scene.

Her sophisticated musicality—born from eccentric fashion and performances reminiscent of early Lady Gaga and steady, assured vocals—is incredibly compelling.

Her collaboration with Brazilian producer Alok is this track, “Car Keys (Ayla).” Its sleek, sharp electropop sound is a perfect match for cool choreography.