Rubber ducks by the thousands splash into Chicago River for annual Special Olympics fundraiser
CHICAGO (AP) — A deluge of 90,000 rubber ducks poured out of a truck on the Columbus Drive bridge and plunged into the Chicago River on Thursday, and then raced at a…
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, more than 90,000 rubber ducks were released into the Chicago River for the annual Chicago Duck Derby fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois. The ducks floated down the river for about 15 minutes before a winner and runner-up were chosen from the water. The event, organized by Special Olympics Illinois, attracts thousands of participants and is a significant fundraiser for the organization.
Becky Cavanagh, the Ducky Derby ambassador and a 13-year Special Olympics athlete, presented the winning duck to crowds gathered on both sides of the river. Cavanagh expressed her joy at making new friends, a highlight of her Special Olympics experience. Special Olympics Illinois offers various competitions for individuals with disabilities, with sponsorship options ranging from $10 for a lone duck to $30 for a quack pack of six.
The event has raised over $480,000 to date. Pete Beale-DelVecchio, president of Special Olympics Illinois, emphasized the significance of the day for the athletes, who were honored with gold medals for their teams. The event features a race where the sponsor of the fastest duck wins an SUV, while the runner-up takes home $2,500 in cash.
The event, organized by Special Olympics Illinois, culminated in a celebration with attendees enjoying inflatable rubber ducks and lively music from a live DJ.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
