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<p>Donna Keller said it was &#8220;nothing short of amazing.&#8221;</p><p>And that might be the understatement of the young year.</p><p>Keller was talking about her 20-year-old son, Aaron, making it to the 2019 Special Olympics Summer World Games as highlighted by Community News Editor Dottie Martin&#8217;s story on Page 1A of today&#8217;s paper.</p><p>Let us be among the many who are offering their congratulations to Aaron Keller, who should serve as an inspiration to not only Special Olympic athletes, but to all athletes and all people for that matter.</p><p>According to Martin&#8217;s story, Aaron didn&#8217;t even walk until he was 2 years old.</p><p>He was diagnosed with Global Development Delay, the general term used to describe a condition that occurs during the developmental period of a child between birth and 18 years. It is usually defined by the child being diagnosed with having a lower intellectual functioning than what is perceived as &#8220;normal.&#8221; Aaron received physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy throughout his entire school career. A 2017 graduate of Crestwood High School, he is currently a student at Luzerne County Community College through a Luzerne Intermediate Unit program and serves as a volunteer assistant cross country and track coach for the Crestwood High School track team.</p><p>A middle school teacher in the Crestwood School District, another unsung hero in this story, suggested he join the track team. Martin tells us that Aaron often finished last as a cross country runner. But just as often was cheered on by his teammates and opponents.</p><p>Through what we assume was an unimaginable amount of hard work, Aaron earned the &#8220;Most Improved Runner&#8221; award his senior year.</p><p>Think of that the next time your new exercise program seems like too much of a challenge to continue.</p><p>Aaron is now headed to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in March to compete on a worldwide stage. He will compete in the 10K, 1500-meter run and 4-by-100 meter relay. The Games will be televised by ESPN.</p><p>&#8220;I am nervous,&#8221; he said. &#8220;This is my first time going out of the country. But I&#8217;m excited at the same time.&#8221;</p><p>We are excited for you too, Aaron, as should be everyone in Northeastern Pennsylvania.</p><p>Good luck in Abu Dhabi, and trust us Aaron, we will be sure to tune in and cheer you on.</p><p style="text-align: right;"><em>&#8211; Times Leader</em></p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Aaron Keller, 20, of Dorrance Township, will be competing at the 2019 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in March. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Games2.CMYK_.jpg</photo0><caption0>Aaron Keller, 20, of Dorrance Township, will be competing at the 2019 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in March. </caption0><photoCredit0>Tony Callaio | For Times Leader </photoCredit0></div></div>

Our View: Special Olympics athlete an inspiration to all