IPA Charities Supports Special Olympics Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby

IPA Charities, the presenting sponsor, has contributed $50,000 toward the Special Olympics Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby to be held in downtown Chicago on Friday, August 25, 2006.

After nearly six years, the Special Olympics Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby is coming back to downtown Chicago. Thousands of people will line the riverfront to watch 20,000+ rubber ducks be dumped into the Chicago River near the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The ducks will "race" along the river – aided by Fire Department and Marine Patrol powered water sprays – to the finish line at the next bridge. Ducks are available for adoption and the cost is $5.00 per duck to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Owners of the top finishing ducks will win fabulous grand prizes. Duck sales begin on June 1.

"The ongoing generous support of IPA is not only helping to create life time memories for athletes and their families, but is also demonstrating a respect for the value of every member of society,” said Doug Snyder, President & CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. "Simply stated, they are making a difference in peoples lives."

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics Illinois is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that raises funds through private means, such as donations and grants. Special Olympics Illinois is accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. which operates in all 50 states and in more than 150 countries. Illinois supports more than 19,000 athletes annually from communities throughout the state.