
The Heart And Soul Of Descenso a Nado de la Ría de Navia

The heart and soul of Descenso a Nado de la Ría de Navia works year-round on putting together the most comprehensive open water swimming festival in the world – from parades to festivals, from amateur swims to professional races, the Descenso is a marvel.
His WOWSA nomination reads, “For 55 years, the Descenso a Nado Ría de Navia has captured the hearts and minds of the small town of Navia in northern Spain.

For his ability to inspire the community and sponsors, for his ability to weave the traditions of northern Spain so magnificently to a swim down a river, for his efforts to place smiles on swimmers of all generations for days on end, for his 24/7 availability to create a most picturesque event where swimmers are all placed on the top podium of priority, the year-round efforts of Juan Ignacio Martínez Fernández-Villamil are a worthy nominee for the 2012 WOWSA Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.”
Juan Ignacio Martínez Fernández-Villamil has given so much to his community and to the sport of open water swimming that he has served as a mentor to many and an inspiration to all.
Photography by Ray Terry.
Copyright © 2013 by Open Water Swimming
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