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

A deluge of 90,000 rubber ducks poured out of a truck on the Columbus Drive bridge and plunged into the Chicago River on Thursday, and then raced at a leisurely pace in the annual Chicago Ducky Derby. 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.

By CYBELE MAYES-OSTERMAN