Twelve athletes from throughout New Zealand were selected for the year-long programme that also includes learning how to become a "global messenger" for Special Olympics.
Van der Lugt (23) is a versatile sportsman who participates in skiing, football, tenpin bowling and futsal. But skiing is his best event.
He was one of only two New Zealanders to win a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, in the United States last year.
He competed in the advanced skiing grade and won a gold medal in the giant slalom and silver in the super G. He was fifth in the slalom.
Van der Lugt, who was educated at King's High School, has won 10 New Zealand skiing titles. He started skiing at the age of 4, and does most of his training at Cardrona.
"He is articulate and is keen to build his confidence during the programme."
In 2006, Rielly (34) was a member of the New Zealand basketball team that competed at the Australian National Games.
He has also had experience coaching the Otago Special Olympics football team and attended a small whites football coaching course. He plays fifth grade football for Roslyn-Wakari.
Rielly delivered a telling speech at the interview to clinch his spot. He is a good contributor to Special Olympics and would like to take a leadership role in the future.
The Special Olympics athlete leadership programme is designed to help athletes explore opportunities in roles previously considered non traditional.
This includes athletes serving on the board of directors or the local organising committee, and being a team captain, coach or official.
This is the second year of the programme. Otago was represented by Matt Aitken (Dunedin) and Crystal Frethey (Balclutha) last year.
