by Kira Ryan | Jul 1, 2026 | Chicago Ducky Derby
For Becky Cavanagh, Special Olympics Illinois has always been about one simple thing: fun.
Whether she is competing in rhythmic gymnastics, swimming laps in the pool, horseback riding, or selling ducks for the Special Olympics Illinois Chicago Ducky Derby, Becky brings energy and enthusiasm in everything she does.
Now, after more than a decade as a Special Olympics Illinois athlete and 10 years helping raise funds as part of the athlete-led Darling Ducklings fundraising team, Becky is stepping into a new spotlight as the 2026 Chicago Ducky Derby Athlete Ambassador.
“It feels very cool,” Becky said with a smile. “I feel pretty great.”
On Thursday, August 6, Becky will help lead one of Chicago’s most beloved summer traditions as more than 85,000 rubber ducks splash into the Chicago River from the Columbus Drive Bridge during the 21st annual Chicago Ducky Derby. The event raises critical funds to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes and programming across the state.
Adding to an already unforgettable week, Becky will celebrate her 21st birthday the day before the race, making her experience as Athlete Ambassador even more special.
Finding Friendship and Confidence through Sports
Becky joined Special Olympics Illinois in 2013 after already being involved in recreational programming through CSPAR, a local special recreation association she has participated in since she was two years old.
Today, rhythmic gymnastics is her favorite sport, though she also competes in swimming and enjoys horseback riding.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Becky said.
That joy has translated into success in competition. This year alone, Becky earned gold and bronze medals in gymnastics and ribbons in swimming.
But medals are not what matter most to her.
“It makes me feel happy,” Becky said.
Her favorite part of being a Special Olympics Illinois athlete is seeing her friends at practices and competitions. Over the years, those friendships have become one of the most meaningful parts of her life.
“She met people who she connected with right away,” her father Joe shared. “It gave her friendships, confidence, and a support system.”
Becky describes her friends as people she loves spending time with. In return, they describe her as “kind” and “funny.”
Her family would add another word: unforgettable.
“The party doesn’t start until Becky gets there,” one uncle likes to say.
A Leader on and off the Field
As the 2026 Chicago Ducky Derby Athlete Ambassador, Becky represents far more than the race itself. She also represents the power of Athlete Leadership.
Becky is an Athlete Leader, having completed Special Olympics Illinois leadership training that prepared her to take on roles beyond sports competition and advocate for inclusion while representing her fellow athletes.
To Becky, leadership starts with kindness.
“Be supportive and kind to others,” she said. That mindset also shapes how she approaches teamwork. “You want to win, but you also want your friends to win too,” her father shared.
Becky says being a champion athlete requires confidence, dedication and perseverance.
“Practice and train hard,” she said. “And don’t give up.”
Those lessons have carried into other parts of her life as well. Becky has worked for the Chicago Cubs for the past three years as a Guest Service Ambassador at the ballpark.
Outside of sports and work, Becky enjoys dancing, singing, watching TV, and listening to music ranging from musicals like Matilda and Six to artists including Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kelly Clarkson.
She also has big dreams for the future, including attending College of DuPage to study subjects like art, dance, theater, science and physics while continuing to learn and grow independently.
“I am happy and confident and proud,” Becky said.
The Heart behind the Darling Ducklings
For the past 10 years, Becky has also been part of the Darling Ducklings, the athlete-led Ducky Fundraising Team that helps power the success of the Chicago Ducky Derby.
The Darling Ducklings account for approximately 20 percent of all duck adoptions each year.
Becky first joined alongside her friend Erin, and she quickly fell in love with helping raise money for other athletes.
“She understands the importance of raising money to help others,” her father said.
This year, Becky will take on special ambassador responsibilities during the Chicago Ducky Derby, including helping sell ducks and pulling the winning duck after the race.
More importantly, she will help share the message that Special Olympics Illinois is about belonging, friendship and opportunity.
Every duck adopted through the Chicago Ducky Derby helps create opportunities for more than 55,000 Special Olympics Illinois athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers and supporters statewide through year-round sports, health, leadership and personal development programming.
For Becky, that mission is personal.
“Special Olympics Illinois is fun,” she said. “And I love it.”
To support Becky and her fellow athletes, learn more about the Chicago Ducky Derby, then try your luck and adopt a duck.
by Michelle Mayer | Jun 30, 2025 | Chicago Ducky Derby, Fundraising, Signature Events, Statewide
Every August, thousands gather along the Chicago River for one of the city’s most joyful traditions: the Special Olympics Illinois Chicago Ducky Derby. With more than 75,000 rubber ducks expected to splash down from the Columbus Drive Bridge this year, the race is more than a spectacle; it’s a celebration of inclusion, leadership, and community impact.
And helping lead that impact, once again, are the Darling Ducklings, Special Olympics Illinois’ athlete-led Ducky Fundraising Team.
Since the Chicago Ducky Derby began, the Darling Ducklings have been leading the charge and this year they are back with fresh energy and an ambitious new goal: to sell 17,000 ducks in support of their fellow athletes across Illinois.
It’s a bold number, but one this dedicated team is excited to chase. After all, in recent years, the Ducklings have consistently been responsible for approximately 20% of all ducks sold. This proves that when athletes lead, people rally.
More than just fundraising, the Darling Ducklings are redefining what athlete leadership looks like.
You’ll find them at Ducky Adoption events, community fundraisers, media appearances, and more, spreading awareness, building connections, and proudly advocating for themselves and their peers.
As a team, they work collaboratively, using their voices and talents to remind the public that individuals with intellectual disabilities are leaders and agents of change.
This year’s race holds even more significance: it’s the 20th anniversary of the Chicago Ducky Derby, and the Darling Ducklings are ready to help make it the biggest and most meaningful event yet.
With help from supporters across the state, their team goal of 17,000 is within reach, and with every adoption, they’re powering opportunities in sports, health, and leadership for athletes across Illinois.
On Thursday, August 7, the celebration kicks off at 10:00 AM with the Derby Festival at Pioneer Court (401 N Michigan Ave), followed by the official splashdown at 1:00 PM from the Columbus Drive Bridge. Supporters are invited to watch from the riverfront or join the official watch party at The Northman (233 E Riverwalk) starting at 11:45 AM.
If you’re wondering how you can support the Darling Ducklings, it’s simple: Adopt a duck from their team today.
Each $10 duck is a chance to win great prizes, including a Chevy Trailblazer, and more importantly, a chance to build a more inclusive world.
Because when athletes lead, we all win. And this summer, the Darling Ducklings are leading the way, one duck at a time.
by lauryn | Apr 14, 2025 | Athlete Leadership, Athletes, Chicago Ducky Derby, Fundraising, Jewel-Osco, Mission Focused, Region B, Signature Events, Uncategorized
Special Olympics Illinois is thrilled to introduce Zach Coppel of Highland Park as the 2025 Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador. “Keeping the secret was hard,” Zach shares how he felt learning about his new title. “I was surprised and happy and I’m honored to do it.”
On August 7, Special Olympics Illinois will host the Chicago Ducky Derby, where thousands will gather to watch a truck full of rubber ducks splash down into the Chicago River.
Each year, Special Olympics Illinois selects an athlete to represent their peers naming them the Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador. The Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador advocates the mission of Special Olympics Illinois all Derby season, fundraises by selling ducks, and pulls the winning duck from the river on race day.
Zach was selected for this role because he is a passionate Special Olympics Illinois athlete, a leader and advocate in the community for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and is a dedicated member of the Darling Ducklings, the athlete-led Chicago Ducky Derby Fundraising Team.
Ambassador Has More Than 30 Years of Competition, Friendship, and Growth
Zach has been an athlete for more than 30 years, participating in countless competitions and making lifelong friends. His favorite sport? Alpine skiing, along with bocce and swimming.
Zach loves skiing for outdoor adventure, bocce for the chance to connect with friends across the state, and swimming for the number of teammates and friendly faces he meets.
When asked what keeps him coming back, Zach says it’s all about exercise, teamwork, and community. “To be a champion,” he says, “you’ve got to work as a team. To be a good teammate, you cheer your team on.”
Leading On and Off the Field
In addition to being a dedicated athlete, Zach is also an Athlete Leader. Athlete Leadership is a Special Olympics Illinois program that supports athletes as they develop skills and take on leadership roles.
“Zach’s confidence has grown so much,” states Zach’s mother, Micki Coppel. “He self-advocates and has the ability to try new things and take on new challenges.”
Zach uses his voice and experience to help shape the future of Special Olympics Illinois and advocates for inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
A Life of Independence and Community
Zach has lived independently for over a decade. “I love it. I get up when I want, and go to bed when I want,” he says.
He has worked at Jewel-Osco in Lake Forest for more than 12 years and has been in the grocery business since 2000.
In his free time, Zach loves cooking, watching TV, lending a hand when his parents need something fixed around their house, and spending time with friends. “I love having friends over to play card games,” he shares.
His family describes him as friendly, outgoing, and cheerful, traits that shine in everything he does.
From Selling Ducks to Selecting the Winner
Zach joined the Darling Ducklings Ducky Fundraising Team in 2022. The Darling Ducklings is a Chicago Ducky Derby Fundraising Team that consists of all Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
Year over year, the Darling Ducklings outsell every other Ducky Fundraising Team and significantly contribute to the overall goal to have more than 75,000 rubber ducks adopted by race day.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of this annual fundraiser. This beloved tradition provides the community with a spectacular visual and fun experience while raising awareness and critical funds to support an inclusive community of more than 60,000 athletes, Young Athletes, Unified Partners, coaches, volunteers, and more across the state.
For the community to enter the race, participants can adopt ducks individually or in packages starting at $10. Each duck adopted supports Special Olympics Illinois statewide programing, plus represents a chance to win exciting prizes including the grand prize of a Chevy Trailblazer.
To support Zach and his fellow athletes, try your luck and adopt a duck.
