Passport to Paris: How to Be an Olympian in Lower Manhattan

Say bonne chance to your favorite athletes, because the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, which kicked off on July 26, is now underway. It’s a great time for the world’s greatest competitors, and an even better time for anyone who likes to skip out on work to catch daytime sports on TV. If watching the games gives you the itch to win some gold yourself — or at least give a gold-star effort at trying something new — consider checking out some of these local medal-worthy sports that don’t require a trip across the treacherous River Seine.

Volleyball

Volleyball is the ultimate summer outdoor sport, and here, you can find both beach and non-beach volleyball courts to practice your serves and spikes. For hard-court volleyball while the Statue of Liberty looks on, check out Esplanade Plaza in Battery Park City. For the sandy version, you’ll have to head slightly outside the district and go to Pier 25 in Hudson River Park. 

Basketball

If watching Team USA completely dominate in basketball reawakens your childhood hoop dreams, get yourself to West Thames Park in Battery Park City to take advantage of its courts for kids and adults. If you’re rusty, jump into a pickup game and you might get to experience what it’s like to try to win a gold against LeBron James and buddies. 

Sailing

Prepare your best “What About Bob?” voice, because even the most unseaworthy among us can easily hop onto a sailboat this summer. Check out Tribeca Sailing, which offers several sails a day throughout the week (and on one of the prettiest boats in the harbor, too!). 

Swimming

You might not be ready to take on Katie Ledecky in the pool just yet, but you should at least know how to swim by now (seriously, too many New Yorkers don’t know how to swim, and that puts lives at risk). Check out Swim Easy New York for lessons at the Leman Pool (25 Greenwich St.) or the British Swim School at 88 Fulton St. for kid and adult lessons. 

Tennis

This year has been all, “Challengers” this, “Challengers” that. Why don’t you find a friend to challenge to a real game of tennis, already? Check out Court 16 (28 Liberty St.) for the only indoor tennis courts in Lower Manhattan, perfect for working on your strokes even in the hottest of heat waves. It’s a great place to learn some new skills or get in some practice if you’re a more seasoned player. 

Skateboarding

Skateboarding is an Olympic sport these days, and while you could see some of the best in the world by going to Paris, you can also see some of the best in the world at Lower Manhattan’s iconic skate spot, Brooklyn Banks. The Banks, located at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, is a world-renowned spot that draws skaters from all around, and it reopened last year after more than a decade of renovations. What’s French for, “Do a kickflip”? 

Squash

You won’t see any squash at the Olympics this year, but starting in 2028, the sport is getting added to the games’ roster. Prep for its Olympic debut at Open Squash (100 Pearl St.), which offers lessons, clinics and a dedicated Junior Academy catering to young enthusiasts aged 4-18. The 20,000-square-foot facility features seven top-tier courts and a glass show court for spectators, as well as a specialized squash-centric fitness center and a rooftop lounge with Manhattan views. While memberships begin at $149/month, Open Squash also has income-based discount programs as part of its core mission, through which it supports about 25 percent of its adult and junior members. 

photo: iStock