Special Olympics Georgia sets 21st Duck Pluck for Sept. 23

Special Olympics Georgia will hold its 21st Annual Duck Pluck on Sept. 23 in Norcross to raise money for year-round programming for 24,218 athletes across the state. The fundraiser is targeting 9,000 duck adoptions and has already topped 7,600 ahead of the event.

Why it matters: - The Duck Pluck helps fund year-round sports training, Olympic-style competition, health programming and leadership opportunities for 24,218 Georgia athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. - Money raised also helps offset participation costs for Special Olympics Georgia's State Indoor Winter Games, State Summer Games and State Fall Games. - The fundraiser supports athletes and families by keeping participation free.

What happened: - Special Olympics Georgia will host its 21st Annual Duck Pluck on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. - The event will take place at the Special Olympics Georgia office at 6046 Financial Drive in Norcross, Georgia. - Supporters can symbolically adopt ducks for a chance to win prizes while backing the organization.

The details: - Special Olympics Georgia set a 2026 goal of 9,000 duck adoptions. - More than 7,600 ducks had already been adopted by mid-August, putting the campaign close to its goal before the event. - Ducks cost $10 each or seven for $35 through the Quack Pack. - Athlete participants will select five winning ducks during the Duck Pluck. - Prizes include a Dell laptop, a $500 Visa gift card, a $350 Visa gift card, a $200 Visa gift card and a $150 Visa gift card. - Winners do not need to be present. - More information and duck adoptions are available through the Duck Pluck page.

Between the lines: - The early adoption pace suggests strong donor interest before the September event. - The fundraiser’s structure ties a simple prize drawing to a steady revenue stream for programs that serve athletes across Georgia. - Special Olympics Georgia also uses the event to reinforce its broader mission of sports, inclusion and community connection.

What's next: - Special Olympics Georgia will continue taking duck adoptions ahead of the Sept. 23 event. - Athlete participants will conduct the drawing and choose the winning ducks at the Norcross event. - The organization says the funds will help sustain competition and training opportunities throughout the year.

The bottom line: - The Duck Pluck is both a fundraiser and a support engine for Special Olympics Georgia's statewide athlete programs. -