In a three-part series, New Zealanders from different walks of life share stories about the people who have influenced them. Today we meet an inspiring Special Olympics athlete, Thomas Loftus.
Thomas Loftus from THE WIRELESS NZ on Vimeo.
Thomas Loftus has extreme determination. On the day this video was filmed Wellington’s notorious wind was sweeping the rain across Newtown Park, but he didn’t bat an eyelid.
He’s pretty tough - and he owes it all to his parents Rob and Sue Loftus. Since he was a boy they’ve been dragging him into the great outdoors.
Thomas, who is autistic, remembers he used to be a reluctant participant, however he’s now repaying the favour as he drags his parents around the country for Special Olympics events.
“Sport is his passion and he’s been taking part in athletics, basketball and skiing,” says his father, Rob Loftus. “Back in 2009 we found out he was a really, really good runner.”
On top of training, Thomas has been appointed as a “global messenger” for the Special Olympics movement. The role has him talking about the benefits of Special Olympics with people in his community
Thomas lives his life at the pace of a 100 metre sprint, and hopes his next big dash will be to the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles.