National Ability Center Celebrates 40 Years in Adaptive Sports

The National Ability Center, a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals, families and groups with disabilities, will celebrate its 40th year of service in 2025, announcing a series of events to recognize the anniversary.

To date, the Park City, Utah-based NAC has served over 300,000 individuals and families and trained over 30 winter Paralympians through the Competition Ski and Snowboard Teams, with seven athletes earning medals. Its 2025 special events will include the McGrath Mountain Center Community Ski Day on February 8 and “40 Years Together: A Tribute to our Community” on July 12.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it’s important that we realize our services are just as important and relevant today as they were 40 years ago,” said Willie Ford, chief executive officer of the National Ability Center. “Today, there are 40 million people in the United States living with a disability. As we take a moment to reflect on this great achievement of turning 40, we find ourselves getting excited to continue our impact over the next 40 years. The community of people with disabilities needs us now more than ever. We’re committed to supporting them for the years to come.”

The center began when Meeche White and Pete Badewitz founded Park City Handicapped Sports Association in 1985, providing winter sports programs for Vietnam veterans with disabilities. Renamed the National Ability Center in 1992, the nonprofit has expanded its offerings to include over 20 programs, such as rafting at the satellite campus in Moab, mountain biking, alpine skiing, snowboarding, archery, outdoor climbing, equestrian and more.

In 2001, the center opened its main campus, the 26-acre Bronfman Family Recreation Center & Ranch. In 2023 it enhanced its slopeside facilities with the 9,400-square-foot McGrath Mountain Center at Park City Mountain.

“I am deeply proud to see the National Ability Center continue to grow and thrive, building on the foundation of empowerment and inclusivity we established from the very beginning,” said White. “The commitment of our staff, volunteers and global community of participants has always been at the heart of our success, and I’m honored to celebrate this incredible 40-year milestone with everyone who has been part of the journey.”