Bensenville Resident Named Special Olympics Illinois Duck Ambassador
Special Olympics Illinois is thrilled to announce that Bensenville resident, Jose Moreno will serve as the 2017 Duck Ambassador for the 12th Annual Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby on August 3. A Special Olympics Illinois athlete and Global Messenger, Jose got his start with Special Olympics Illinois in 2009 when he began competing in basketball. Over the last several years he has been victorious in floor hockey, golf, bocce, softball, volleyball, and his current favorite -- bowling. Jose has served as a Global Messenger for Special Olympics Illinois since 2011 and he has given many speeches and interviews. He also volunteers his time at fundraising events including Plane Pull, Polar Plunge, and of course the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby -- his favorite event.
He loves many things about the Ducky Derby like getting to know his fellow Darling Ducklings and meeting the countless people who adopt ducks (especially Quack Packs!). Jose has sold thousands of ducks since becoming a Darling Duckling (the Special Olympics Illinois athlete sales team) and looks forward to selling even more this year.
Join Jose and thousands of spectators to watch 60,000 rubber ducks splash into the Chicago River from the Columbus Drive Bridge and race towards the finish line. Race Day kicks off at 10 a.m. at 400 N. Michigan Avenue (The Wrigley Building) with entertainment for the entire family - including appearances by several sports mascots. Splashdown for the Duck Derby is at 1 p.m. Ducks will be sold at the event until 12:30 p.m.
The funds raised will help support year- round sports training and competition in 19 sports for over 22,500 Special Olympics athletes and more than 20,000 Young Athletes (ages 2-7) throughout Illinois.
Adopt a duck for $5, a Quack Pack (6 ducks for $25), a Flock of Ducks (24 ducks for $100) or a Diamond Ducks package (240 ducks for $1,000) for your chance to win one of the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby's great prizes including a brand new 2017 Chevy Equinox or an all-inclusive Apple Vacation.
Ducks are available for purchase online at www.chicagoduckrace.com. Join the conversation on Race Day using #chiduckyderby.
Duck adoption sales teams are forming throughout the area and they compete for bragging rights and great prizes. To form a Sales Team, download a registration form at www.chicagoduckrace.com. If groups or companies would like more information about getting involved, contact Shelley Chenoweth at schenoweth@soill.org or call 630-942-5619.
The Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby is presented by Jewel Osco. Thank you to Chicagoland and Northwestern Indiana Chevy Dealers, TD Ameritrade, The Sugar Factory Restaurant, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Durham School Services, Lakeshore Recycling Systems, Big Ten Network, Dunkin' Donuts, DriverDo, Clear Channel Outdoor and Hollister. This year's media sponsors are Fox 32 Chicago, The Chicago Sun-Times and MyFM.
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for more than 22,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 20,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them 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, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org.