Saline County-Resident and Special Olympics Illinois athlete – Jacob Dobson will serve as the 2019 Duck Derby Dash
Ambassador at the 5th Annual Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash. The Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash takes place at the Du Quoin State Fair on Sunday, Sept. 1.
This summer Jacob is spreading the word about the Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash and on race day, he will hold up the winning duck for thousands of spectators to see.
Jacob is 23 years old and has been involved in Special Olympics since he was 5. He started with track & field, bocce, and bowling. While attending Brownsville School, Jacob played on the school’s volleyball and basketball team. He graduated Brownsville School and is now competing with the Saline County Superstars Young Adult team.
Through Special Olympics, Jacob has learned that having a positive attitude is more important than winning. In his free time, Jacob supports local school sports teams and attends many local ballgames. He will always be an advocate for good sportsmanship. Jacob has made an effort to pass on that mindset to everyone he meets.
Jacob is also an active member of his Ditney Ridge Church. He has been attending this church for many years and helps with the youth programs. This will be Jacob’s 3rd year involved in the Southern Illinois Duck Derby. He loves setting up his sales booth at the local Wal-Mart and engaging with customers to explain the Ducky Derby Dash and Special Olympics.
Race Day kicks off at 1:00 pm with a parade. At 3:00 pm, the ducks will splash into the lake behind the Expo Hall at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Following the duck race, will be entertainment for the entire family – live music, face painting, games, and an appearance by Splash Duck the mascot. Come out to help us reach our goal of adopting 11,000 rubber ducks.
Adopt a rubber duck for $5 for a chance to win one of the Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash’s great prizes. Ducks are available for adoption online at www.DuckyDerbyDash.com and every day of the DuQuoin State Fair from Aug. 23 – Sep 1. Join the conversation on social media by using #SIDuckyDerby.