Barcelona Organizes Unique ‘Ducky Derby’ to Support Adapted Sailing
Barcelona, May 29 – The Diagonal Mar shopping center is set to host Barcelona’s inaugural ‘Ducky Derby’ on Saturday, June 13th. This innovative charity event will feature a race of 500 eco-friendly rubber ducks, with all proceeds dedicated to funding adapted sailing projects spearheaded by the Catalan Sailing Federation.
Event Details and Charitable Cause
The event is scheduled to take place between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM on the Terrassa del Mar, which will be transformed into a unique aquatic race circuit for the occasion. Participants can ‘adopt’ one of the numbered rubber ducks for three euros, either through the shopping center’s website or in person at the Information Point. The funds collected will directly benefit the “Un Mar per a Tothom” (A Sea for Everyone) project, an initiative focused on providing access to sailing for individuals with reduced mobility.
Diagonal Mar has announced its commitment to double the total amount of money raised during the event, further amplifying its impact. The race will employ a sophisticated system to identify the winning ducks as they cross the finish line. The ‘godparents’ of the top three ducks will be awarded gift vouchers worth 300, 200, and 100 euros, respectively.
Entertainment and Community Engagement
Beyond the race itself, the event promises a vibrant atmosphere with live music from a DJ, an engaging speaker, a photo booth, and a dedicated podium area. Prior to the race, participants will have the opportunity to personalize their chosen ducks at the “Mar de Jocs” children’s area, adding a touch of creativity and fun to the charitable endeavor.
This initiative is a key component of Diagonal Mar’s corporate social responsibility strategy, #PelNostreMar (For Our Sea), and underscores the collaborative efforts between the shopping center and the Catalan Sailing Federation. An informational stand will be present throughout the day to educate attendees about the various adapted sailing programs offered by the federation.
A Fusion of Leisure and Purpose
Sonia Contreras, the manager of Diagonal Mar, highlighted the core objective of the event: “The aim of this proposal is to transform a leisure activity into an action with purpose, mobilizing citizens around an inclusive cause.” This statement encapsulates the spirit of the ‘Ducky Derby,’ which seeks to combine entertainment with meaningful social impact.
The event is expected to draw a significant crowd, fostering community engagement and raising awareness for the importance of accessibility in sports. By offering a unique and engaging experience, Diagonal Mar and the Catalan Sailing Federation hope to inspire broader support for adapted sailing and promote a more inclusive society in Barcelona.
The ‘Ducky Derby’ represents a creative approach to fundraising, demonstrating how local businesses can contribute to social causes while providing enjoyable experiences for the community. The success of this inaugural event could pave the way for similar initiatives in the future, further strengthening Barcelona’s commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.
