Special Strong Celebrates Opening Of New Facility In Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT — Special Strong, a specialty fitness provider for individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, is celebrating the grand opening of its Central Connecticut Valley Region franchise in Cheshire.

The Central Connecticut Valley Region franchise, owned and operated by Lissa Merchant, will hold a special family friendly event Saturday, Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Highland Bowl, 1211 Highland Avenue in Cheshire, to celebrate the grand opening.

"My goal is to have an event that focuses on the adaptive athlete-their strength, courage and joy. I want them to feel seen and valued,” Merchant said in a news release. “I look forward to celebrating the grand opening of Special Strong, meeting our community, and providing a safe environment for families to enjoy a fun time together.”

Special Strong was founded in 2016 by Daniel Stein, who began specializing in health and fitness for people with special needs after being diagnosed with a learning disability, mood disorder, and autoimmune disease, according to the news release.

The chain provides “adaptive and inclusive fitness programs to people all over the world with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, rare genetic conditions, and more,” the news release states.

“Faith, service, and health have always been at the heart of everything I do, including homeschooling my now-grown, four children,” Merchant said. “When I discovered Special Strong, I knew it would be the perfect way to combine my faith, passion for fitness, and desire to serve others.”

Stern said, “When I began franchising in 2020, I was inspired to not only help Special Strong’s clients, but also leaders who share a passion for empowering special needs individuals through fitness. Lissa has a strong sense of purpose, inspiring her to channel their strengths into making a difference for individuals with special needs. We’re excited to see the special moments captured at the grand opening.”

Special Strong trains out of gyms in Cheshire, Meriden and surrounding towns.

For more information about Special Strong, visit its website here, and on Facebook here.