Park City's National Ability Center is one of three Utah nonprofits sharing $256,674 in federal grants to expand adaptive sports programs for veterans and service members with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced the awards Wednesday, Oct. 7, as part of $16 million distributed to 91 organizations nationwide through its Adaptive Sports Grant Program, TownLift reported. The other two Utah recipients are Just Breathe Adaptive Scuba in Provo and Continue Mission in Woods Cross, according to the Park Record.

Individual grant amounts were not disclosed.

Angela D. Williams, executive director of the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, said in the announcement that the grants strengthen access to adaptive sports programs that benefit veterans across the Intermountain West. Williams said the funding expands opportunities for veterans with disabilities to stay active, build confidence and connect with others through recreation and competition.

The grant program funds recreational and competitive activities aimed at helping veterans with disabilities build independence. Supported sports include archery, skiing, cycling, wheelchair softball, hunting and fishing. Since the program's creation, the VA has awarded more than $150 million to adaptive sports organizations across the country.

The National Ability Center (NAC), led by CEO Willie Ford, has operated in Park City for roughly four decades and also runs a satellite location in Moab. The organization serves about 6,200 participants each year with help from approximately 1,500 volunteers and 150 employees. Its programs span skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, archery, climbing, equestrian activities and water sports, with more than 32,000 experiences and lessons hosted annually.

"As we set out on our 10-year plan, we're investing in leadership that can help us … broaden access to outdoor adventure for individuals, families, and veterans with disabilities," Ford said in a September 2025 announcement about new NAC leadership hires.

In 2023, the NAC opened the 9,400-square-foot McGrath Mountain Center at the base of Park City Mountain to serve its adaptive ski and snowboard programs. A 50-year land lease donated by Vail Resorts made the facility possible.

The VA's official grant recipient list confirms the National Ability Center among its 2026 awardees, alongside the 88 other organizations funded nationwide.