Radio announcer Thomas van der Lugt prepares to go on air
at Otago Access Radio this week. Photo by Gregor
Richardson.
There is something special in the air at Otago community
access radio station Oar FM.
The station's new announcer, Thomas van der Lugt, has been
winning fans and acclaim with his programme, The Special
Olympics Show with Thomas.
Mr van der Lugt (25) has Asperger's syndrome, an autism
spectrum disorder which can lead to difficulties with social
interaction.
"I love doing the show. It's really fun and a cool thing to
do. I just let people know about the Special Olympics and
intellectual disabilities," he said this week.
"Asperger's hasn't held me back. I know it's there and that I
have it, but I try not to let it affect me. I've accepted
I've got it."
Asperger's affected him in subtle ways, he said.
"I might be doing something and then someone asks me to do
another thing and it's too much. Large crowds can also be a
bit weird."
Mr van der Lugt is an accomplished sportsman, winning 10 New
Zealand skiing titles and gold and silver medals at the 2009
Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, in the
United States.
In November, he was a member of the Otago Special Olympics
football team which won the inaugural transtasman
championship in Wellington and he is also a Special Olympics
"global messenger".
He emigrated with his family to New Zealand from Ireland in
1991, when he was aged 3.
"We later came to Dunedin, because we were trying to find a
school that would be suitable for me. I went to King's High
School, which was great."
Mr van der Lugt lives and works with the Mt Cargill Trust,
which provides residential and respite care for both children
and adults who haveintellectual disabilities.
Oar FM manager Lesley Paris said he had inspired listeners
with his humour, openness and optimism.
"He's taken to radio broadcasting really, really well. His
show is so honest and he's got so many great values. He's
very passionate and positive and is a great mentor for all
people."
The Special Olympics Show with Thomas is on Oar 105.4 FM from
11am to noon on Wednesdays.
- nigel.benson@odt.co.nz
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.