Born in Benedita (Portugal) with a congenital disease (Spina Bifída) that makes it impossible for him to walk, João Matias stood out with his positive motivation to fight for survival and happiness. With only one hour of life, he was operated (and saved) by the hands of Dr. Gentil Martins, one of the most respected Portuguese and European surgeons ( Former President of the Portuguese Medical Council and Association, and Former President of the World’s Medical Association).
Thus, with a strong personality, João Matias opted in the 10th year of schooling for the Scientific or Natural with Sports Technique Area, that was finished with excellence, being the first paraplegic Portuguese to successfully carry out a sports course. In his Bachelor he chose the Communication & Multimedia Area, which also demonstrated that he’s multifaceted and he likes to be.
He’s the first professional paraplegic Portuguese model and one of the pioneers in Europe. He’s also a born sportsman, where he practices various sports types (adapted surf, co-pilot in rally test drive, swimming, volleyball, horsemanship, hockey and wheelchair basketball where he was federated for 5 years). In addition, he’s a competition athlete in the wheelchair tennis, with the goal of one day arriving at the Paralympic Games, where in the same modality no Portuguese have reached.
Currently, João Matias is BOUND Management’s Booker / CEO, where he manages hundreds of people’s careers and due to his friendliness and look, is also often required for events presentation. Entrepreneur by nature, he’s making future plans after his “Born to Fly” film release, that includes writing a book and designing a brand. And as he himself says “the easy didn’t attract me” and “because I didn’t know it was impossible, I went there and did it”.