Rubber ducks by the thousands splash into Chicago River for annual Special Olympics fundraiserMore than 90 thousand rubber ducks are dropped into the Chicago River as part of the annual Chicago Duck Derby for Special Olympics Illinois in Chicago, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Cybele Mayes-Osterman)CHICAGO (AP) — A deluge of 90,000 rubber ducks poured out of a truck and into the Chicago River on Thursday, then bobbed along a stretch of the skyscraper-lined river in the annual Chicago Ducky Derby that raises thousands of dollars for charity. The annual event, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois, draws thousands of participants. Cavanagh said her favorite part about the Special Olympics was “making new friends.” Special Olympics Illinois organizes competitions across the state for people with disabilities and special needs.