National Ability Center and National Parks team up for adaptive access

Southern Utah welcomes outdoor adventures for all. Photo: Tony Flynn

PARK CITY, Utah — Leading adaptive recreation and outdoor adventure provider, The National Ability Center (NAC), seeks ambassadors to chase their dream while building awareness for adaptive adventures in Utah.

The NAC, world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventure provider for individuals and families with disabilities announced the launch of its Seek Your Summit® program. The initiative is funded, in part, by the Utah Office of Tourism’s Forever Mighty Grant, which welcomes travelers from all backgrounds, races, and abilities while ensuring resilient destinations and sustainable growth in Utah.

“For over 35 years the NAC has been breaking barriers through outdoor recreation for people and families from all types of backgrounds and experiences. From high in the Wasatch Mountains to the depths of Southern Utah’s red rock canyons, our community continues to carve new paths where others might have deemed impossible,” said Danny Glasser, CEO of the National Ability Center in a statement. “Our new ambassador program is an opportunity for individuals to realize whatever their outdoor goal might be. We are excited to help them take the steps to get there and tell the story.”

Through the Forever Mighty grant, the National Ability Center is funding adaptive influencers and athletes to help them live out their “I Can” mentality and bring their outdoor goals to life. Individuals that are interested are encouraged to submit their goal with an action-oriented plan and timeline for consideration. After careful review, up to 10 winners will receive funding to help seek their summit. The selected individuals will share their summit and experience promoting adaptive adventures in Utah and with the National Ability Center through a variety of ways including social media, blogs, photos, videos, and more. 

“With rising visitation and awareness of all that Utah has to offer, the NAC and Utah Office of Tourism understand how more important it is to welcome travelers of all abilities to the state,” said Connor Shanklin, Social Media, and Marketing Coordinator and Ambassador Program Coordinator. “By amplifying the adventures of adaptive travelers and athletes, we hope to plant the seeds of adventure in the minds of individuals of all abilities for generations to come. 

To apply to Forever Mighty, click here. For questions or more details, contact Connor Shanklin at connors@discovernac.org.  

The application period is open through January 31, 2022. Applications will be reviewed for acceptance on a rolling basis. 

• Objective must occur inside Utah and reflect the National Ability Center mission and the Utah Office of Tourism’s Forever Mighty ethics
• Be prepared to explain why you have chosen your objective and your plan to achieve it
• Must adhere to guidelines set by the National Ability Center
• Must be 18 years of age at the time of application
• Active social media accounts and willing to share content via #SeekYourSummit