A 30-ton Komatsu America Corp. articulated HM300-2 dump truck, unleashed more than 30,000 rubber ducks into the Chicago River on Aug. 12, for the fifth annual Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Each year rubber ducks are “adopted” by sponsors — for a monetary donation — for the Derby to “race” down the Chicago River. Prizes are awarded to the first ducks to cross the finish line. This year’s Duck Derby raised more than $250,000 for Special Olympics.
Komatsu has been part of this Special Olympics Illinois event since its inception five years ago. Each year, Komatsu employees have had a “hands-on” role in the management of the derby itself, and also organize a variety of fund-raisers throughout the year in support of the event. Komatsu America then matches those funds.
Special Olympics Illinois is a health and human services organization which offers year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,000 athletes with intellectual disability and more than 40,000 Young Athletes age 2 to 7.
