Rubber ducks by the thousands splash into Chicago River for annual Special Olympics fundraiser

Every year, thousands of people join the Chicago Ducky Derby, a fun event that raises money for Special Olympics Illinois. This year, about 90,000 rubber ducks were poured from a truck into the Chicago River. The yellow ducks floated along the river, which is surrounded by tall buildings.

The ducks floated for about 15 minutes before organizers chose the winning duck and the second-place duck. The person who sponsored the fastest duck won an SUV, while the sponsor of the runner-up won $2,500 in cash.

The event also included a festival. People took pictures with large inflatable ducks, wore shirts with rubber duck designs, and wrote messages on a chalkboard. The event was a fun way for people to support athletes with disabilities and special needs.

Special Olympics Illinois organizes sports competitions throughout the state. People can sponsor one duck for $10, which helps provide lunch for an athlete. A six-duck “quack pack” costs $30 and helps provide gold medals for a team. The event has raised more than $480,000.

Becky Cavanagh, a Special Olympics athlete and Ducky Derby ambassador, said her favorite part of the Special Olympics was making new friends. She was excited to help choose the winning duck. The organizers said the event was a wonderful day for the athletes and everyone who joined the celebration.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source:https://apnews.com/article/chicago-ducky-derby-fundraiser-illinois-special-olympics-82966ef730c2ab0424427a9493d894dc

Comprehension

How many rubber ducks were released into the Chicago River?
How long did the ducks float in the river?
What does the Chicago Ducky Derby raise money for?
How much does it cost to sponsor a “lone duck”?
What does the sponsor of the fastest duck win?

Discussion

Would you like to watch a rubber duck race? Why or why not?
Why do you think people enjoy joining unusual charity events?
Have you ever joined an event to raise money for charity?
What kind of charity event would you like to organize?
Do you think fun events are a good way to raise money? Why?
Would you sponsor a duck for $10? Why or why not?
Why is making friends important for athletes?
What activities can help people with disabilities feel included?
What is a good way to encourage more people to donate to charity?
If you could create a fun race, what would you race?

Vocabulary

deluge — a large amount of something arriving suddenly
rubber duck — a small toy duck made of rubber
bob — to move up and down on water
charity — an organization that helps people in need
fundraiser — an event to collect money for a cause
participant — a person who joins an activity
athlete — a person who plays a sport
sponsor — a person who gives money to support something
inflatable — able to be filled with air
disability — a condition that makes some activities more difficult