FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Special Strong, a leading adaptive fitness franchise dedicated to serving individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, today announced the opening of two new territories in San Antonio, Texas under franchise owner Richard Valadez. Valadez will serve the West San Antonio and North San Antonio communities, bringing certified adaptive fitness programs to one of Texas’s largest cities.
For Valadez, this franchise is personal. As the father of a daughter with Down Syndrome, he has witnessed firsthand the limited options available to the special needs community — and felt the weight of watching his youngest daughter unable to fully participate in the sports and activities her sisters enjoy. That experience became the driving force behind his decision to bring Special Strong to San Antonio.
“This is about the athletes and how we can get them to live an independent, happier life.”
— Richard Valadez, Franchise Owner, Special Strong San Antonio
Valadez brings a career built on developing people. He spent 12 years in sales, advancing from salesperson to Area Manager, where he trained sales teams and store managers across multiple locations. Four years ago, he made a deliberate pivot — stepping out of corporate leadership and into the classroom, teaching 7th and 8th grade math in school districts in and around San Antonio. Alongside teaching, he served as an assistant football and basketball coach at the middle school level and supported girls’ high school basketball in Natalia, Texas.
That combination — leadership experience, classroom discipline, and hands-on coaching — maps directly onto what it takes to serve Special Strong athletes. “I enjoy working with the youth and seeing them thrive,” Valadez said. “Watching and helping them reach goals is extremely satisfying, both in the classroom and on the field.”
A Mission Rooted in Faith and Family
Valadez had been exploring franchise opportunities and speaking with multiple companies when he discovered Special Strong. The connection was immediate. “I was immediately drawn to Special Strong, probably because of my daughter,” he said. “I am putting my trust in God and am going full steam ahead.”
His advice to others considering the franchise reflects the values that drew him in: “You have to do this for the right reason. This is about the athletes and how we can get them to live an independent, happier life.”
Special Strong San Antonio serves the West San Antonio and North San Antonio territories.
About Special Strong
Founded in 2016, Special Strong provides adaptive fitness training for children, adolescents, and adults with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges. Through its rapidly growing franchise model, Special Strong empowers communities to offer inclusive fitness programs that improve health, build confidence, and promote independence. With a foundation built on faith and service, Special Strong continues to expand nationwide, making a lasting impact one life at a time.
