Special Olympics Illinois’ annual fundraising event, Chicago Ducky Derby, took place Aug. 7. Each year, more than 65,000 rubber ducks are dumped into Chicago River to race toward the finish line. Those who wanted to enter the race adopted a ducky for $10. The proceeds go to benefit the Special Olympics Illinois, affecting a community of over 24,000 athletes including traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Peer Partners and Unified Partners.
People wait for the 2024 Chicago Ducky Derby to begin on the Chicago River at the Columbus Drive Bridge in Chicago on Aug. 7, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)The 2024 Chicago Ducky Derby begins as rubber ducks are released onto the Chicago River at the Columbus Drive Bridge in Chicago on Aug. 7, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)Duck-themed paraphernalia is seen at the 2024 Chicago Ducky Derby on the Chicago River at the Columbus Drive Bridge in Chicago on Aug. 7, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)A Chicago Fire Department boat nudges rubber ducks toward the finish line of the 2024 Chicago Ducky Derby on the Chicago River at the Columbus Drive Bridge in Chicago on Aug. 7, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)Ashley Jones, the 2024 Chicago Duck Derby ambassador, holds the winning duck on Aug. 7, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)Workers haul rubber ducks from the Chicago River after the 2024 Chicago Ducky Derby at the Columbus Drive Bridge in Chicago on Aug. 7, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)A worker rushes the winning duck in the 2024 Chicago Ducky Derby to a derby “ambassador”on Aug. 7, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)Rubber ducks on the Chicago River after the 2024 Chicago Ducky Derby at the Columbus Drive Bridge in Chicago on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. The derby is a fundraising event that benefits Special Olympics Illinois. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
