60,000 rubber ducks will drop off the Wabash Bridge into the Chicago River at 1 p.m. August 9, 2018. The 13th Annual Chicago Ducky Derby to benefit Special Olympics Illinois enthralls people of all ages who watch the ducks "race" to the finish line. Join the conversation using #ChiDuckyDerby on social media.
Ducks are still available for adoption for $5 online at www.chicagoduckrace.com and in person on race day, August 9, beginning at 7 a.m. at 400 N. Michigan Avenue. Sales close prior to Splashdown at 12:30 p.m. The Family Festival begins at 10 a.m. in front of the Wrigley Building and features roaming entertainment, live music, prizes, face painting and the Ducky Derby mascot Splash.
60,000 rubber ducks will splash into the Chicago River on August 9 from the Wabash Avenue Bridge and race towards the State Street Bridge. The Chicago Ducky Derby benefits over 23,000 athletes who compete in Special Olympics Illinois throughout the state.
Many Special Olympics Illinois athletes will be on hand to greet visitors. Grand prize is a brand new 2018 Chevy Equinox courtesy of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers.
Special Olympics Illinois athlete and Duck Ambassador Jack Klawitter will be at the finish line to hold up the winning duck.
Other prizes include a $2,500 cash prize, an all-inclusive Apple Vacation and Chicagoland Speedway tickets.
Last year's event saw more than 58,000 ducks adopted and raised more than $400,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
Chicago Cubs players Willson Contreras and Kyle Hendricks served as the celebrity ambassadors for the Chicago Ducky Derby.
The success of the annual Ducky Derby depends on two hundred sales teams - both corporate teams and independent groups - who devote the summer to selling duck adoptions and spreading the word about the benefits of Special Olympics.
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 20,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. If you are interested in getting involved with Special Olympics Illinois, visit www.soill.org. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook and Instagram: @specialolympicsillinois, and Twitter: @SO_Illinois.
