Stroke by stroke, lap by lap, kilometer by kilometer. From one buoy to the next. From one feeding to the next.

Swimmers count strokes, count laps, count loops, and count miles, over and over and over again.

They are a methodical group of athletes, measuring time and distance repeatedly in their heads as they stroke towards their goals.

Along those lines, the 57 km Maratón Acuática Internacional Santa Fe – Coronda event in Argentina benefits the Proyecto Uno por Uno, Uno más Uno (Project One by One, One Plus One). The annual FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix event helps suppot a special social charity network that ties together the local government with the private sector and the professional marathon swimming circuit to help dramatically change the lives of children who live in unfortunate situations. Like swimmers, the network takes small steps one at a time. Led by Father Javier Albisu, proceeds from the event goes to improve the quality of life of those who need it most.

Photo shows Damián Blaum at the Maratón Acuática Internacional Santa Fe – Coronda Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source