A monthly digest from Asphalt Green bringing you resources and news from the world of sports, fitness, and play.

VOL. 5 // SEPTEMBER 2024

PREVIEW 

Here's what we've kept an eye on in the worlds of sports and fitness this month:

• How to choose the best sport for your child this fall: [Read]
• Outdoor workouts when you can't access the gym: [Read]
• AGUA alum Adell Sabovic on competing at the Olympic games: [Watch]

IN MEMORIUM

The entire Asphalt Green community mourns the passing of long-time Board member and dear friend, Al Zesiger, who died at the age of 95. Along with his wife, Barrie,  Al’s impact on the organization and the City of New York cannot be overstated. Al was an avid runner, who completed 18 marathons, but an injury pushed him from running to swimming. At a time when the best facilities were found in private clubs, Al conceived of a world-class, Olympic-sized swimming pool accessible to all New Yorkers. With his vision and support, the Asphalt Green’s AquaCenter was built. Since then, Asphalt Green has taught more than 100,000 people to swim, given away more than $40 million in free swim lessons, and produced multiple Olympians.

Most importantly to Al, the organization became, and remains, a center for excellence and inclusion, transforming lives and building community through sports, fitness, and play for all. Al believed deeply that excellence was possible at any age and that cardiovascular fitness was essential to a long and happy life. To honor his legacy, Asphalt Green has announced the Al Zesiger Challenge as part of its Get NYC Moving initiative, to encourage people of all ages and abilities to lead active and heathy lifestyles. Click here to learn more and help us celebrate Al and a life very well lived.   

SPORTS

FIND YOUR SPORT, BECOME A CHAMPION

Youth sports all offer fantastic benefits, but often have different benefits and developmental focuses. Hear from our coaches for advice on picking the right sport for your child.

Over the past 10 years, Asphalt Green Basketball has grown into one of the leading basketball programs in the city. Our Director of Basketball Operations, Chris Cassels, explains how. 

Last month, Asphalt Green welcomed back AGUA alumn Adell Sabovic, who jumped right back into our pool for practice after swimming for Kosovo at the Olympic games. 

FITNESS

HIT YOUR GOALS WHEREVER YOU ARE

September is here, but there's still plenty of time to take your workouts outdoors in the weeks ahead. See our favorite outdoor exercises to try on the next sunny day! 

Music is the fuel that fires many of our greatest workouts. Check out our new list of AG Jams for yoga, strength training, cardio, or if you just feel like dancing!

Take part in the Al Zesiger Challenge and Asphalt Green's Get NYC Moving initiative to celebrate the legacy of Al Zesiger, who believed fitness was the key to a fulfilling life. 

PLAY

SAVE TIME FOR PLAY WHILE THEY HIT THE BOOKS

Asphalt Green's Recess Enhancement Program (REP) helps thousands of NYC students get the daily exercise they need to thrive. Last month, we sat down with a few REP coaches to get their best back to school tips ahead of the new school year.

A recent New York Times article explains implementing play into workouts can make exercise feel less like a chore and more like something to look forward to. They note, "when you start to think like a kid, the world becomes your gym."

COMING UP

EVENTS & MORE

SEPT. 7 // Big Kick: A free outdoor soccer fest!

SEPT. 7 // All fall sports and swim programs begin. Register today!

SEPT. 24 // Pickleball + annual Golf Classic at Ardsley Country Club