02/16/06
Astavita® and Chris Lieto Ink Title Sponsorship Deal
Manufacturer of Antioxidant Supplement Sees Value in Triathlon Demographic
Danville, CA, February 16, 2006 – Astavita, a leading manufacturer of high potency antioxidant supplements, has announced a sponsorship partnership with professional triathlete Chris Lieto. Astavita will be Lieto’s title sponsor for the 2006 season.

Astavita ®, known for its astaxanthin, is produced by Japanese based pharmaceutical and nutraceutical giant Fuji Chemical Industries based in Toyama Japan. "We're pleased and proud to not only continue our relationship with Chris Lieto, but also to become the title sponsor of an Ironman Champion of Chris' caliber. His dedication to his family and the demanding sport of triathlon is an inspiration to everyone. Chris Lieto is the perfect spokesman for our nutritional performance product, Astavita Astaxanthin", commented Scott Lichterman, Sales and Marketing Manager of Astavita.

“Working with Astavita and representing a company like Fuji Health Science that has been in business since 1946 is a true honor”, commented Lieto. “The financial support and their belief in me as an athlete are both very humbling. I have definitely improved my performance and overall health since I started using the Astaxanthin product. I find that my recovery is much quicker than in previous years and I just generally feel much better”, said Lieto.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, Lieto will participate at Ironman Japan on May 25th. Astavita has a strong presence in the Japanese market and as such, Lieto will focus his training and race schedule to peak for Ironman Japan. “I was contemplating racing Ironman Japan well before our deal with Astavita finalized, so this is really a perfect fit for everyone. I’m going to do my best to represent Astavita in Japan by bringing home a victory, said Lieto. Before Lieto heads to Japan he will race at Ironman Malaysia on February 26th and will also focus his attention on the prestigious Wildflower Triathlon in early May.

Astavita is a global brand of Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd of Toyama, Japan.