Chelsea Cohen Fitness Center to start at the Carver

 The legacy of Norwalk’s rich history in sports continues with news that the Carver Center will become home base to the Chelsea Cohen Fitness Center.

 The goal, according to Tom Chiapetta, is to raise the awareness of health and fitness for young girls. “Chelsea Cohen was the model for a perfect example of healthy body, healthy mind. The hope is that she will be the inspiration for young girls to follow in her footsteps,” said Chiapetta.

“Many young girls, and kids in general—and more importantly their parents, don’t have access to the best information and people,” explained Chiapetta.

Drawing on experts to stage clinics, workshops and conversations, the primary goal is to create year-round access to the best available fitness trainers, coaches, and health and wellness programs that encourage opportunities to be active daily life. While the intent is not to be sport specific, the message is to get youngsters in the daily habit of living an active, healthy lifestyle. 

Chelsea Cohen was a former Norwalk High soccer star. She passed away in 2006 after a courageous bout with a rare form of cancer of the nervous system. The Chelsea Cohen Fitness Academy was named in her honor and serves as a countywide resource to youth groups, students, and families. The Academy is partnered with former NFL star Steve Young’s Forever Young Foundation and the Fairfield County Sports Commission whose Executive Director is Tom Chiapetta.

The Academy works with existing facilities, youth organizations and service providers by offering additional resources to supplement and complement their efforts, while filling in gaps in programs that had previously been very dependent on local, state and federal funding. It’s designed to be the rallying point to engage all important community stakeholders in children’s health, nutrition and in the fight to combat childhood obesity.

The advisory board includes: 

Greg Brittenham, Stamford – Strength & Conditioning Coach, New York Knicks

Julia Chiappetta, Greenwich – Certified personal trainer, wellness consultant/author

F. Skip Latella, Wilton – MS, Sports physiologist, CEO Flexor Sports Training

Patrick Mediate, Greenwich – MEd, Physical Education, Greenwich High, NSCA state director

Dr. Keith Overland, Norwalk – Certified Chiropractic sports physician, FCSC board

Suzanne Vita Palazzo, Norwalk – Certified Health Counselor, nutrition, founder Vitalink LLC

Gary Valentine, Wilton – Valentine Strength Consulting, adjunct prof. exercise science, SHU