allows him to have a more significant influence on children. This is one reason he looks forward to competing in the World Championship Equestrian Triathlon. “With me being so young, I hope that I can inspire others to participate or even volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club,” Matute Guimón said. The Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club has more than 1,200 members with 300 kids served daily. It features a learning center with a computer lab, certified teachers as tutors, college and career readiness programs, STEM programs with robotics, as well as art courses, health and wellness education, dance classes, voice lessons, a gardening program, athletics and much more. “Always have a clear idea of your dreams and don’t be afraid to pursue them,” Matute Guimón says when advising young club members. He knows that many of the club children face challenges every day and that their personal attitudes can help them reach their goals in the future, no matter their situation in the present. His recent commitment to juggling schoolwork and qualifying for the 2020 Olympics has underscored his strong belief in the importance of dedication and determination. Both characteristics were taught to
Matute Guimón by his father, also a well-known dressage rider. He’s quick to note that his main role model in life has always been his father. In fact, they continue to have a close relationship even as the young champion moves into adulthood. Matute Guimón understands that not every situation allows a child to have their father as their role model, and that’s another reason why he supports the local Boys & Girls Club, which provides children positive role models and mentors. “I think it’s extremely important for the kids to always have a person that they can look up to,” he said. “It has made a big difference in my life, and I want all kids to have the same experience to push themselves to be better.” Despite his very rigorous university coursework, Matute Guimón is not easing up on travel, competing and charity work. He looks forward to 2020 being his most exciting and possibly rewarding year yet. With the Olympics at the end of July, his schedule will likely ramp up and make his goal of attaining his degree a little more challenging to achieve. But Matute Guimón is sure to follow the advice that he gives to the Boys & Girls Club children: “If you work hard and stay focused, anything is possible!”
Juan Matute Guimón, Heather Caristo Williams, Nic Roldan and Olexa Celine were victorious at last year’s World Championship Equestrian Triathlon.
Illustrated Properties
MAYFAIR AT WELLINGTON: Immaculate, open concept 3 BR 2 BA/1 Car Gar. “Palm Beach” model carriage home w/2,354 total sq. ft. Expansive screened bal. w/views of green space. Bright unit w/ volume ceilings, covered entry, foyer w/ 18 ft. ceiling, impact windows, accordion shutters, new stainless refrig., newer A/C, Corian counters, 42’’ maple cabinets, neutral tile throughout living areas & bal. All living areas on 1 flr. Walk to Community & Aquatic Center, Tennis, Amphitheater shops & dining. Close to show grounds, Polo & minutes from PBIA, area beaches, and more. Offered at $279,000
VALENCIA ESTATES: Totally renovated 2 BR, 2 Bath 1 story townhome w/ new tile roof! New A/C! New wood look tile flooring, contemporary white cabinets, floating shelves, glass tile back-splash, quartz counters & all new appliances. Freshly painted & accented by new window treatments, block baseboards & trim. Master & guest BAs have also been updated w/attention to every detail! Offered at $245,000
SARATOGA LAKES:
Lovely 3 /2 home w/ open flr plan & fenced yard on 148 ft wide navigable canal. Screened/ covered 40’x10’ porch w/ extra 40’ x 10’ open deck. Vaulted ceilings & double sets of sliders add to the outside living ambiance. Master BR has 2 large walk-in closets, double sinks, & another set of sliders leading to covered porch & deck. Large neutral tile in all main areas, wood laminate in BRs. A/C new in 2016, prewired for sec. system, canal fed sprinklers, acc. & panel shutters. Great community w/ pool & tennis. Offered at $340,000
WOODLAND CREEK
Exquisite Pool Home w/ Covered Porch & Brick Paver Deck on Cul-de-sac Lot. Large eat in kitchen: custom cabinetry, wine cooler, butler’s pantry, granite, tumbled stone backsplash. Wood flooring throughout. Updated bathrooms,Storm PGT windows in front & panel shutters all others, storm garage. Newer A/C, tankless hot water heater, new pool pump, & roof replaced in 2000. French doors w/ plantation shutters lead to salt chlorinated pool, deck, porch, pergola covered sitting area. Offered at $375,000
wellington the magazine | december 2019
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