60,000 Rubber Ducks Will Splash into the Chicago River August 3 for Special Olympics Illinois

CHICAGO, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 60,000 rubber duckies will drop off the Columbus Bridge into the Chicago River at 1 p.m. August 3, 2017! The 12^th Annual Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby to benefit Special Olympics Illinois engages 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 3, beginning at 7 a.m. at 400 N. Michigan Avenue. Sales close prior to Splashdown at 1 p.m. The Family Festival begins at 10 a.m. in front of the Wrigley Building and features carnival games, prizes, face painting and the Ducky Derby mascot Splash.

Many Special Olympics Illinois athletes will be on hand to greet visitors. Grand prize is a brand new 2017 Chevy Equinox courtesy of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers

Special Olympics Illinois athlete, Global Messenger and Duck Ambassador Jose Moreno will be at the finish line to hold up the winning duck.

Other prizes include an all-inclusive Apple Vacation, and a trip to Vegas to see the Backstreet Boys show complete with a VIP Meet and Greet.

Last year's event saw more than 57,000 ducks adopted and raised more than $400,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.

The success of the annual Ducky Derby depends on over a 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 17 sports for more than 22,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 20,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms lives by empowering people with intellectual disabilities 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 learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, visit our website at www.soill.org.

SOURCE Special Olympics Illinois