Duckies to Host Inaugural Duck Olympics in Seaside Apr 5

One of the most fun events ever is coming to Seaside on Easter Sunday! Duckies Shop of Fun is teaming up with the Walton County Chapter of Special Olympics Florida to host the inaugural Duck Olympics on Easter Sunday, April 5 from noon-3 p.m. at Seaside's Lyceum Lawn.  

Duck adoptions are available for $5 online at www.duckolympics.com. A duck adoption will enter a duck into the race for prizes at the event. Those purchasing ducks will not need to be present to win. Funds raised during the Duck Olympics go directly to support year round programs for Special Olympics Florida athletes in Walton County. 

The Duck Race in Seaside is the largest fundraiser the Walton County program has tackled. An 80-foot-long lazy river will transform Seaside’s Lyceum Lawn into a Duck Pond and act as the centerpiece of the fundraising event. A 4-mph current will propel 5,000 yellow rubber ducks around the pool for prizes throughout the afternoon. Singer Reid Soria of Autism Sings will perform at the event. 

“To me, just doing whatever we could for Special Olympics was a no-brainer,” said Bryan Pritchett, owner of Duckies Shop of Fun. “Making an investment in that pool means that Special Olympics can raise money for years.” 

Currently, 59 athletes ages 8 and up are participating in six sports, including the popular paddle board program. Some of those athletes will participate in a demonstration during the event. 

“We are honored to partner with our merchants and Special Olympics Florida — Walton County in this inaugural event that will help raise funds to improve the quality of life for members of our community and their families,” said Lori Leath Smith, director of public relations and marketing for Seaside Community Development Corp. 

The Duck Olympics will take place following the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Seaside and will include music, refreshments, activities for the kids and lots of fun. Prizes include a Yolo Board, roundtrip airline tickets, vacation rentals, giftcards and more!  Adopt a duck at Duckie's in Seaside, or go online to purchase ducks and see which prizes are up for grabs. Adopt a duck and see the full list of prizes at www.duckolympics.com.  

Special Olympics Florida of Walton County provides year round sports training and competition for children and adults 8 years of age and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their programs open a gateway for athletes to achieve empowerment and acceptance by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. 

For more information about the Duck Olympics, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.duckolympics.com or email mikeschumacher@specialolympicswalton.org.   

Known as the "silliest place in Seaside", Duckies Shop of Fun is a whimsical wonderland full of toys, kids clothing, beach gear, and much more. Giving back to individuals in need, the community and area charities is at the core of what Duckies does best. Duckies Shop of Fun, located on the square in Seaside, is open daily.