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 (1–10)
High HopesPanic! At The Disco
Panic! At The Disco’s songs are known for live performances full of entertainment that captivate audiences.
This track, included on their sixth album, “Pray for the Wicked,” has racked up over 600 million views on YouTube and was also featured in Japan as the theme song for Honda’s ACCORD commercial, so many people have likely heard it.
With lyrics that convey the message “hold high hopes,” it gives you a boost to feel like you can win any challenge.
Its handclap-inducing beat lifts your spirits—an upbeat tune that’s perfect as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals.
All StarSmash Mouth
While praising the brilliance of youth and embedding a message of self-affirmation and the courage to take on challenges, this anthem continues to move the hearts of many.
Created by California-based Smash Mouth, the song remains beloved worldwide as an iconic track that symbolizes the music scene of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Released as a single from the album Astro Lounge in May 1999, it reached No.
4 on the Billboard charts.
It was also used as the opening song for the film Shrek, making it popular with a new generation.
It’s a track that resonates in moments that mark a page of youth, such as school sports days and athletic festivals.
StrongerKanye West
This ambitious work, themed around the courage to face adversity and personal growth, was released in July 2007 by American artist Kanye West.
Its innovative sound, which brilliantly fuses electronica and hip-hop, samples a track by the French house duo Daft Punk and was completed by layering over 50 versions.
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won Best Rap Solo Performance at the 2008 Grammy Awards.
The music video, inspired by the Japanese animated film AKIRA, was filmed in Tokyo and drew attention for its futuristic visual style.
It’s an energetic track that will powerfully push anyone striving for victory at school sports days and athletic festivals.
Wavin’ FlagK’NAAN
It’s a powerful message song imbued with a wish for hope and freedom.
Somali-Canadian artist K’naan draws on his own experiences and the situation in his homeland to sing about the courage to face adversity and hope for the future.
Taken from the album “Troubadour” and released in February 2009, the song resonated with people around the world and saw its impact spread widely.
It was chosen as an official anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and was also used in Coca-Cola’s promotional campaign.
With its strong melody and universal message, it’s an ideal cheering song for uniting participants at major events such as sports days and athletic festivals.
All I Do Is Win ft. T-Pain, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Snoop DoggDJ Khaled
This ambitious work, themed around an obsession with success and victory, was created by American DJ Khaled together with his crew.
Frequently used in sports settings, the track was released to the world in February 2010 as the lead single from the classic album “Victory.” Featuring star artists including T-Pain and Ludacris, it reached No.
24 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2013, President Obama quoted a phrase from the song at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, drawing widespread attention.
With its powerful beat and lyrics infused with passion for triumph, it’s perfect for cheering at school sports days and athletic festivals.
As a song that strongly pushes forward people who are giving their all toward their goals, it has captured the hearts of many.
99 ProblemsJay Z
Jay-Z’s soulful rap, marked by powerful guitar riffs and drum beats, is a track that stirs listeners’ spirits at school sports days and athletic meets.
Released in 2003 by the New York–born artist, the song portrays a stance of confronting various challenges, including pressures from the music industry and the police, as well as complicated relationships on the streets.
Featured on The Black Album, it won the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.
The music video was shot in black and white, impressively capturing the streets of Brooklyn.
Brimming with forward-driving power and energy, this track serves as a pump-up anthem that heightens competitive tension and ignites participants’ fighting spirit.
Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas
This masterwork by the Black Eyed Peas captivates with the powerful fusion of electropop and surf rock.
Released in 2005 by the American group and featured on their album Monkey Business, the track later appeared in the hit films Little Man and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties.
Combining a sound that samples a Dick Dale song with a message to turn it up louder, it reached No.
18 on the U.
S.
Billboard charts.
Its intensity and groove make it perfect for energizing the crowd as background music during school sports days and athletic competitions.
It also works as dance music, and its energetic, uplifting vibe makes it an ideal anthem for sports events.