Palatine resident, gold medalist gymnast selected as Duck Ambassador

On Thursday, Aug. 4, thousands of rubber ducks will splash into the Chicago River for Special Olympics Illinois at 1 p.m.

This year, Kyle Tuckey of Palatine will represent the race as the 2022 Chicago Ducky Derby Athlete Ambassador.

Special Olympics Illinois is very important to him. As the Duck Ambassador for the Chicago Ducky Derby, Tuckey will pull the winning duck out of the water.

Tuckey started participating with Special Olympics Illinois 20 years ago when he was 8. He has competed in track and field, soccer, softball, basketball, golf and snowshoeing, as well as gymnastics.

Last month, he represented Team Illinois in gymnastics at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando. He was so proud to be a part of the delegation. Tuckey had a great time with his fellow teammates and came back to Illinois with multiple gold, silver and bronze medals. The following week, he won seven gold medals at the Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games in Normal.

Through Special Olympics Illinois, Tuckey has also made lifelong friends and learned how to make healthy life choices. He was able to use the skills he learned as an Athlete Leader and took them to the next level when he was hired as a service ambassador at United Airlines at O'Hare Airport.

Tuckey proudly represents the more than 21,000 athletes who participate across Illinois.

Learn more about the Chicago Ducky Derby presented by Jewel-Osco, and about Tuckey, by visiting chicagoduckyderby.com.

Duck purchasers are entered to win prizes like an all-new Chevy Equinox.

Special Olympics Illinois is a nonprofit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 10,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.