January 14, 2025
When the City of Worcester celebrated the launch of its Fitness Court at University Park a few months ago, one voice stood out in the crowd: Anthony Bizzotto. As the founder and president of Revive of the USA, Anthony’s journey from adversity to advocacy exemplifies resilience, transformation, and the power of community. Today, he continues to inspire others by fostering a culture of health and wellness that extends beyond physical fitness.
Anthony’s story begins in Leominster, MA, where he grew up in a loving home with his parents and three older sisters. Despite this nurturing environment, tragedy struck when his oldest sister, Nicole, passed away due to a rare heart condition. Her passing profoundly impacted Anthony, leading him down a path of addiction and despair.
Anthony’s athleticism had always been a defining part of his identity. As a teenager, he was a standout athlete with dreams of playing Division 1 college football and possibly advancing to the NFL. A natural talent, Anthony trained rigorously, drawing inspiration from his father, a former Division 1 football player at Tulane University. By the age of 17, Anthony was bench pressing 405 lbs, power-cleaning 315 lbs, and running a 4.37-second 40-yard dash. His strength and speed made him an All-State linebacker and a track star, seemingly destined for a bright future in athletics.
However, the weight of grief and addiction overshadowed his potential, and his life spiraled into a cycle of destructive behaviors. Despite this, Anthony’s love for fitness remained a cornerstone of his identity and would later become the foundation for his recovery and advocacy work. Through years of perseverance and support from his faith, family, and sober communities, Anthony began rebuilding his life in 2013, using fitness not just to regain physical health but to foster mental and emotional resilience as well. His journey exemplifies how even the deepest struggles can be transformed into a source of strength and inspiration.
After years of struggling, Anthony began his recovery journey in 2013, finding strength in faith, family, and active sober communities. In 2019, he co-founded Revive of the USA, a nonprofit that collaborates with substance-abuse recovery and mental health facilities across New England. The organization integrates movement and nutrition as therapeutic tools, providing individuals with the resources to rebuild their lives and embrace holistic well-being.
Revive’s mission aligns closely with the principles of National Fitness Campaign—making health and wellness accessible and equitable for all. A nonprofit specializing in addiction recovery and mental health fitness training, Revive serves over 5,000 individuals annually across more than 40 locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. These include youth and adult detox facilities, inpatient and outpatient centers, residential programs, sober homes, peer recovery centers, veterans centers, mental health facilities, special education programs, recovery high schools, community corrections centers, and schools for troubled youth. Revive's programs emphasize functional movement and physical empowerment, fostering mental and emotional resilience.
“Fitness has always been more than physical for me,” Anthony shares. “It’s a way to rebuild, to discipline myself, and to inspire others. Living an active life reminds us of our capacity to transform and grow.”
Revive was born from Anthony’s journey and a desire to offer others a way to rediscover their strength and potential. Alongside his partner and co-founder, Amy Tappen, their mission was clear: to bridge the gap between addiction recovery, mental health, behavioral health, and movement therapy. By helping individuals rebuild their lives through functional movement, Revive empowers participants to overcome challenges and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle. More than just a nonprofit or exercise program, Revive is a community of resilience and support that fosters transformation during and after treatment.
After finding the Fitness Court through community collaborations focused on wellness and inclusion, Anthony and the larger Revive team supported the City of Worcester at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the University Park Fitness Court.
“The Fitness Court is a beacon of hope and inclusion in our community,” Anthony shares. “It provides a free, accessible space where people can prioritize their health and connect with others. For many, it’s more than a place to work out—it’s a space for healing, encouragement, and growth. The community has embraced it wholeheartedly, and it’s inspiring to see people of all ages and backgrounds utilizing this amazing resource.”
During the ceremony, Anthony and Revive’s COO, Cassie Bergeron, led the community through demonstrations for each of the 7 stations of the Fitness Court. With her background in occupational therapy, Cassie, brings a unique perspective to their programming, further enriching the experience for participants.
This spring, Revive plans to expand its offerings on the Fitness Court, introducing classes focused on emotional strength and physical endurance. These sessions aim to boost confidence and foster a sense of belonging for participants, whether they are navigating recovery or simply seeking a supportive environment for fitness. Future initiatives include youth programs and partnerships with other organizations to maximize the Fitness Court's impact.
Anthony praises the City of Worcester for its support in promoting health and wellness. He highlights the contributions of Dr. Mattie Castiel, Commissioner of Health and Human Services, and the Neighborhood Development Division, whose collaboration ensures the Fitness Court remains a vibrant, welcoming space.
For Anthony, the Fitness Court is more than a physical structure; it’s a symbol of hope and inclusion.
“This Fitness Court is a beacon for our community. It’s a place where people can heal, grow, and thrive. Together, we’re creating a culture of resilience and wellness that extends far beyond the Fitness Court itself.”
As Worcester continues to embrace health and wellness, Anthony Bizzotto’s leadership and passion serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together. His journey and the work of Revive of the USA inspire us all to prioritize holistic well-being and create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
