Party for a good cause at the National Ability Center’s June 6 Barn Party

Rhett Olsen in the barn in Park City's National Ability Center, he'll be spotlighted in this year's June 6, Barn Party fundraiser. Photo: Kris Olsen

PARK CITY, Utah — The National Ability Center will hold its annual Barn Party fundraiser on June 6, celebrating the athletes and families at the core of its mission. This year, one of the highlighted athletes is Rhett Olsen.

Olsen, who is on the autism spectrum and will graduate from Trailside Elementary School’s fourth grade next week, participates in many of the NAC’s dozen year-round sports. His parents, Kris and Lori, own and operate Olsen Electric in Park City.

“The super heroes who work at, who volunteer for, and who donate to the National Ability Center Barn Party have spirits which are beyond beautiful and they’re truly making the world a better place.” Lori said.

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“When people learn that Rhett has Autism, there’s sometimes a reaction of pity, and Kris and I simply want them to know that our family is perfect just the way it is, and our son’s medical diagnosis is merely a small part of our big life full of big laughs.”

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The slideshow above includes photographs from some of the travel adventures the Olsen family enjoys together.

The Barn Party comes on the heels of a strong year for NAC athletes. Several competed in Italy at the Milan Cortina Paralympics over the winter, and others are scheduled to compete in Minnesota next month at the Special Olympics USA Games.

For more than 30 years, the NAC’s equestrian program has helped individuals of all abilities and their families discover what’s possible — from talking when told they wouldn’t to walking when told they couldn’t. The organization also travels internationally, bringing its message of inclusion along with donated wheelchairs and crutches.

Since 1985, the National Ability Center has empowered individuals with disabilities through adaptive recreation and adventure, building a more inclusive community in Park City and beyond. The Barn Party is one of its signature annual events.

Attendees can expect dinner, live music, a mechanical bull, an auction and a saloon-style component. Guests can also tour the NAC campus, including the community gathering space and the fully accessible dormitory and hotel building, which features wheelchair-accessible doorways, restrooms and a cafeteria. The building is also open for room rentals. Registration for the event is available here.

Those who can’t attend but want to support the NAC can make a general donation here.