Luminox: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Matias: I am an open water adventure swimmer. I learned to swim at 21 years old. I am from the North of Argentina, Tucuman. Very far from rivers and seas. I looked for swimming to overcome my asthma and immediately began a sporting path that I never thought I would find.
Water took me to different places in Argentina and the world, challenging the most dangerous open water crossings that exist. I swim without a wetsuit because I adapt to the cold and the challenge makes me grow. I have a team that accompanies me, guides me and knows my feelings about the oceans or rivers where I manage to swim.
Luminox: What do you do for a living, and where are you from?
Matias: I studied Business Administration and I manage real estate. I am from Argentina, I live between Buenos Aires and Madrid, Spain. I created the first Argentine NGO called NADANDO ARGENTINA where I am dedicated to changing the history of Argentine swimming.
Luminox: Can you talk us through your work in the community?
Matias: After getting to know in depth what sport means in people's lives, like in my own, my main objective is to invite others to connect with water. How? Swimming.
That is why NADANDO ARGENTINA is the first non-profit organization organized to search for talent, grant scholarships, connect and articulate with potential swimmers who are ambassadors of Argentina in the world.
Luminox: What motivated you to take these actions?
Matias: I was motivated to create this social action by the very fact of what sport means to my life. I was only able to learn to swim at the age of 21 and being able to achieve my goals as an athlete has been a dream come true. I know that sport is a powerful tool for social inclusion.
Luminox: What challenges did you face whilst supporting your community, and how did you overcome them?
Matias: I believe that the biggest challenge my community faces is to overcome the impossible barriers. With NADANDO ARGENTINA and all the actors involved, we managed to change the history of Argentine swimming.
Luminox: How do you stay resilient in the face of adversity?
Matias: I just imagine that everything has a solution when faced with adversity. Failure is part of the challenge and the most important thing about my journeys is that you can always try again. You have to have a focused mind and be ready for the most difficult thing that can happen.
Luminox: How has your community responded to your actions?
Matias: They respond well, with joy, with gratitude, with astonishment. It is NOT normal for these things to happen in our community. We are happy to be the ones who promote this idea.
Luminox: What positive changes have you seen as a result of your efforts?
Matias: Adventure swimming and winter swimming have grown enormously in my region. CHILE, ARGENTINA and URUGUAY. The number of swimmers is starting from the first steps we took in 2011.
Luminox: How has this experience changed you personally?
Matias: I think I feel more responsible for the actions I take every day. I feel grateful for the opportunity to act to change something as important as people's lives through swimming.
I think that connecting with tourism, sports, and companies of all kinds also strengthens our ability to take great action in favor of the community.
Luminox: What advice would you give to others who want to make a positive impact in their communities?
Matias: Be creative and create your own paths from scratch. Enjoy the journey. Don't give up when you knock on 100 doors. One can always open. Be entrepreneurs.
Luminox: How do you feel about being recognized by Luminox for your contributions?
Matias: I am very happy to meet Luminox. I love watches and I have never owned an all-terrain watch. For Luminox to recognize this history and these efforts is a great honor for me.
Luminox: What do you think of Luminox watches, and how would they fit into your daily life?
Matias: I have been using Luminox for the last 10 days in Patagonia, getting up very early in the dark to enter National Parks. Being able to see the time with its luminescence. Swimming in 3 degrees with the watch. I like it! It works perfectly and withstands all my activities as an athlete and organizer.
Matias received the Navy SEAL, 45 mm, Dive Watch - 3501.F. Check out the watch here.
