BLAKELY - With one fist in the air, Daniel O'Brien, 17, began his march.
The Lakeland High School student was joined by more than 500 others at Mellow Park on Sunday, most wearing matching T-shirts and all supporting a common cause - the 11th annual Parents of Down Syndrome of Northeastern Pennsylvania Buddy Walk.
Daniel, who has Down syndrome, walked alongside Frank Farina of Jessup, the Democratic candidate for state representative in the 115th District. It was nothing new, according to his father, Jim O'Brien, who noted that his son knows everybody.
"He participates in everything at Lakeland," Mr. O'Brien continued, adding that Daniel was an honorary member of the school's boys basketball team.
He also seemed to be a good-luck charm for the team that last year won its first Lackawanna Division III championship since 1984.
"Daniel is somebody that you really want to know," his dad said proudly. "All of these kids are special."
Sunday's walk was just one branch of a national movement, said Bob Durkin, a charter member of the 16-year-old Parents of Down Syndrome of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
"We're trying to break an old line of thinking. Years ago, individuals with Down syndrome were institutionalized," he said, adding that his son Kevin, 19, has Down syndrome. "Not only can they function, but in many cases thrive in educational situations, work situations and social situations."
Scores of people cheered around the field Sunday as guest speaker Sara Wolff congratulated the musical, acting and athletic accomplishments of several student coordinators of the event, who, like her, thrive with Down syndrome.
"We have come a long way, but we have a long way to go," she said, calling the crowd to begin the walk. "Let's walk together to a greater future."
It was a larger crowd than Mr. Durkin had expected.
"We were hoping for about 300," he said, looking around at a sea of Buddy Walk T-shirts. "We have to have more than 500."
Every year, he said, a more diverse crowd comes out and the group continues to grow.
"It's a gathering with the good of raising awareness about the ability of individuals with Down syndrome," he said. "It keeps moving forward."
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter