Thank you, Dayton! On September 19, 2026, despite rain, flooding, and a lightning delay, every single one of our 20,000 ducks hit the Great Miami River and raced for children and adults with disabilities. 💜
When JaKiya first came to URS, she had never been in a classroom before. Following directions was hard. Expressing herself was harder.
Today? She’s the spirited, hilarious, dancing, basketball-playing kiddo her teachers describe as “true to herself,” a child who lights up a room and makes sure every friend feels seen.
Through URS’ Preschool program and on-site Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy, JaKiya has built confidence, strength, and her own voice. She can stack five blocks where she once could stack two. She joins circle time. She tells her mom the names of every friend and teacher. And she’s started calling her mom “Babe” instead of “Mommy,” a nickname her mom never wants to forget.
Children with Down syndrome like JaKiya are amazing. Give them time and watch them sprout into these amazing kids. They have so much life and spark that will keep a smile on your face. Latatsha, JaKiya’s mom
Every duck you adopt helps URS give kids like JaKiya the therapies, teachers, and tools they need to shine.
Every year, thousands of rubber ducks race down the Great Miami River at RiverScape MetroPark in Downtown Dayton. In 2026 we sold out for the first time, with every duck adopted before race day. Every duck adopted helps support local children and adults with disabilities through United Rehabilitation Services.
To everyone who adopted a duck, sponsored the race, built a fundraising team, volunteered in the rain, or cheered from the riverbank: you did this. Twenty thousand ducks, every one with a name on it, all racing for the children and adults with disabilities served by URS. We could not have asked for a better community.
And we are just getting started. The 24th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta is coming in September 2027, and we plan to make it bigger and better than ever. Want to be part of it?
Get 2027 Updates2027 sponsorship opportunities will be available in early 2027, and duck adoptions will open next spring. Join our mailing list and you will be the first to know.
The Regatta wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors. Thank you for making a splash with us!
Become a Regatta sponsor and help us support 1,000+ children and adults with disabilities.
View Sponsorship Opportunities →Proceeds from duck adoptions directly support United Rehabilitation Services’ programs and services, making a tangible difference in the lives of local children and adults with disabilities. For 70 years, URS has provided early childhood education, adult day services, employment services, and therapy services to more than 1,000 individuals every year. When you adopt a duck, you’re not just buying a chance at a prize. You’re helping someone reach their potential.
Learn more about URS →