Chicago's riverfront was a flurry of activity and anticipation on Wednesday as 100,000 rubber ducks bobbed in the water for the annual Chicago Ducky Derby, a quirky and heartwarming fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, attendees sponsored ducks for $10 each, contributing to a cause that champions inclusion and provides year-round sports, health education, and development opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
"The Chicago Ducky Derby is more than a fun race; it’s a celebration of inclusion and a testament to the incredible spirit of our athletes," Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois, lauded the event in a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. Each of the adopted ducks aids in fortifying a culture that integrates people with and without intellectual disabilities into the community fabric.
Hoffman Estates' very own Ashley Jones, a Special Olympics athlete for over 28 years who snagged a gold medal in gymnastics at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, was chosen as this year's ambassador for the event, embodying the commendable successes the derby hopes to promote, in a detail shared by NBC Chicago.
