A 30-ton Komatsu America Corp. articulated dump truck HM300-2, released more than 30,000 rubber ducks into the Chicago River Aug. 12, for the fifth annual Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby,which benefits Special Olympics Illinois.
Each year for the Derby, rubber ducks are “adopted” by sponsors (for a monetary donation) to “race” down the Chicago River. Prizes are awarded for 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 that offers year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 40,000 young athletes age 2 to 7.
Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd., which is a global manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Komatsu America also serves forklift and forestry markets. For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com.
