Longtime sponsors make Special Olympics Illinois annual Chicago Ducky Derby possible
On Thursday, August 5 thousands of yellow rubber ducks will be dropped into the Chicago River at the Columbus Street Bridge during the 2021 Chicago Ducky Derby benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.
“This is a really unique, fun event that truly showcases Chicago,” explains Chris Winston with Special Olympics Illinois, who first began volunteering with the organization back in 1999 when his Special Olympic athlete brother David passed away.
“The Chicago Ducky Derby is the second largest duck race in the country. During last year’s event, 73,000 ducks were adopted and we raised more than $400,000 for Special Olympics Illinois. It is so much fun to see that, it really showcases how amazing Special Olympics Illinois and our partnerships are.”
Special Olympics events and fundraisers like the Ducky Derby rely heavily on the support of community-minded corporate partners who share a mutual passion of carrying out Special Olympics’ ongoing dedication to its athletes.
For example, Jewel-Osco continues to serve as a long-time presenting sponsor at the event, “They put their money where their mouth is,” Winston says. “Jewel-Osco has employed dozens of Special Olympics Illinois athletes throughout the past decade.”
Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers have also been longtime, dedicated supporters of Special Olympics Illinois for the past 30 years.
“Around thirty years ago, local Chevy dealers started their involvement with Special Olympics Illinois — and it actually began with Michael Jordan,” says Vice President of Select Marketing Group Ellie Hillstrom.
“Jordan was one of the first athlete influencers for Chevy dealers of Chicaogland and introduced us to his involvement with Special Olympics Illinois. A partnership formed from there that strongly continues today.”
Over the years, Chevy has remained involved in many Special Olympics events, including the annual Ducky Derby.
Hillstrom explains, “The winner of the derby will drive off in a brand new Chevy Trailblazer. And yes, it is a very cool thing to show the car side of this, but more importantly our dealers love being associated with this mission. They love being a part of what Special Olympics does for these amazing athletes. That’s the real reason for us. It is something we are really proud of and we look forward to supporting Special Olympics Illinois for years to come.”
Winston notes that because of partners like Chevy and Jewel-Osco, athletes are not only able to compete, but they also receive essential health benefits that would be difficult to access without support from Special Olympics Illinois.
“We’re really into what we do at Special Olympics Illinois, and Chevy and Jewel-Osco are too,” Winston explains.
“That is exactly what we want: a shared passion,” he adds. “For example, Chevy is not just giving us a truck at the derby. Chevy is making it possible for this event to actually
happen — and even more importantly, Chevy is making it possible for our athletes to stay healthy long after these events conclude.
“Special Olympics is the largest public health organization in the world, and the money we raise through the derby and other events goes directly toward everything from proper eating habits, physicals, dental and eyecare. It’s not just the competition aspect but the importance of our athletes’ overall well being.”
Many times, the only physical athletes receive all year is through Special Olympics programming at medical festivals, making Chevy and Jewel-Osco’s involvement critical to the organizations’ commitment to wellness and health.
“That is what we do at Special Olympics,” Winstotn says. “We continuously work to improve the lives of our athletes side-by-side with our partners. This will be on full-display at this year’s Chicago Ducky Derby.”
The thousands of rubber ducks racing down the river on August 5 will provide countless opportunities and services for more than 23,100 athletes and over 13,000 Young Athletes across Illinois. One of those athletes, Mallory Taylor of Naperville, who is serving as the 2021 Ducky Derby Ambassador, will be at the finish line to hold up the winning duck.
Supporters can adopt a duck to compete in the derby for $5 at chicago ducky derby. com. Prizes include an all-new Chevy Trailblazer, an Apple Vacation all-inclusive trip to RIU Palace Mexico, cash, shopping sprees and more.