More than 90,000 rubber ducks were released into the Chicago River in the U.S. to participate in the Chicago Ducky Derby, an event organized to raise funds supporting disabled athletes and individuals with special needs throughout the state.
The Chicago Ducky Derby, an annual charity event held to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois—which organizes sports competitions for disabled and special needs individuals statewide—kicked off with great enthusiasm.
The highlight of the event was when a truck dumped a massive number of rubber ducks from the Columbus Drive bridge, after which all the ducks floated along the current of the Chicago River in Chicago, Illinois, for about 15 minutes amid cheers from crowds gathered densely on both riverbanks.
After the race, officials selected the first and second place ducks to cross the finish line. Becky Kavanagh, the Ducky Derby ambassador and a Special Olympics athlete with over 13 years of participation, held up the winning duck amid applause and celebration from attendees.
The event allowed the public to donate by sponsoring rubber ducks at $10 each, which supports one meal for an athlete during the competition, or choose a pack of six ducks for $30, helping to fund the medals awarded to the sports teams.
Organizers stated that this year's race raised over $480,000. Sponsors of the duck finishing first won an SUV, while the second-place sponsor received $2,500 in cash.
Pete Beil-Delvecchio, president of Special Olympics Illinois, said the event is a special day for all athletes. It is gratifying that every year thousands of supporters attend and participate. The event also features entertainment activities, including photo opportunities with a giant inflatable duck and music performances by a DJ, adding vibrancy to the charity event along the Chicago River.
. Source:AP
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