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.