Chicago Red Star Morgan Gautrat ready to represent Special Olympics as this year’s Celebrity Duck Ambassador
Chicago Red Star Morgan Gautrat feels honored to be part of the Special Olympics Illinois family.
The local soccer star will serve as this year’s 2021 Celebrity Duck Ambassador during the 2021 Chicago Ducky Derby benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.
“It’s such a wonderful cause to be included in,” Gautrat said.
“I wholeheartedly believe in everything Special Olympics Illinois aims to achieve. The Duck Derby event is beyond a creative way to get everyone in Chicago excited about Special Olympics and support their athletes.”
On Thursday, August 5, thousands of yellow rubber ducks will be dumped into the Chicago River at the Columbus Drive Bridge during the annual derby. Sponsored by an incredible community of donors and partners, the thousands of ducks racing down the river will provide countless opportunities and services for more than 23,000 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.
“I am most looking forward to Mallory picking out the winning duck,” Gautrat shared.
“It’s a wonderful event on so many levels. Special Olympics allows athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to be fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. To see these athletes enhancing their motor skills, self confidence and social skills while competing brings me a lot of joy.”
Gautrat was first introduced to Special Olympics five years ago when she partnered with the organization during the 2016 Olympics. She attended her first event that year and took part in a Special Olympics parade.
The soccer player’s own introduction to professional sports kicked off in 2015 with the Houston Dash organization, and Gautrat joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2017. She also played for Olympique Lyonnais in France, was part of both the youth and senior U.S. Women’s National Teams and played on the Women’s World Cup teams in 2015 and 2019.
Gautrat fully understands and wants others to learn the importance of competing. She loves how Special Olympic Illinois athletes rely heavily on building not only their athleticism, but also their social skills, their overall confidence in themselves and their drive to succeed, both on and off the field.
Best of all, Special Olympics makes it possible for every athlete to participate.
“It’s so important for Chicagoans to know Special Olympics Illinois does not charge their athletes or families to participate in the program,” Gautrat said.
“That is why the Ducky Derby fundraiser is so important! I want as many Chicagoans as possible to buy a duck and support Special Olympics right here at home. This special organization reaches so many people with intellectual disabilities. Over 23,316 athletes are included, over 48,300 volunteers participate in Special Olympics with over 201 competitions hosted yearly!”
The Chicago Ducky Derby has sold out three years in a row. Last year, a record-breaking 73,000 rubber ducks were sold, and this year the organization is looking to surpass that.
Supporters can adopt a duck to compete in the derby for $5 at chicagoduckyderby.com. Prizes include a Chevy Trailblazer, an all-inclusive trip to Mexico, cash, shopping sprees and more. If supporters can’t attend the event in person, they can still celebrate with Special Olympics online! f supporters can’t attend the event in person, they can still celebrate with Special Olympics online! Join Special Olympics from home for the Ducky Derby Virtual Festival headlined by the X Ambassadors beginning at noon on Thursday, August 5. Supporters can watch via Facebook or Twitch.