Optimé President Tom Blake to Compete in 2002
CEO Ironman Challenge

For immediate release
May 21, 2002 Toronto - Optimé International today announced that President Tom Blake, and 16 other North American CEOs will compete in the second annual CEO Challenge in Lake Placid, New York on July 28. The event is being run in conjunction with the 2002 Ironman USA Lake Placid Triathlon and includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run -- all of which must be completed in less than 17 hours.

"It's a unique competition for CEOs and a great opportunity to meet other executives and have some fun. So far the training has been worthwhile and if I complete it, it will be extremely worthwhile," noted Blake, whose company provides Fortune 500 companies with customized consulting, coaching and training. "Ironman to me is the ultimate physical fitness challenge available to people of all ages, sexes, and levels of capability" said Blake. "It challenges one's discipline, determination, commitment and goal-setting abilities, all of which are necessary in order to be a successful CEO. Time management is critical for a CEO training for Ironman, and will enhance one's ability to be an effective CEO." Blake said he was approached by one of the organizers of the event, Ted Kennedy, to compete. "He came up with the idea that I should try it," he said. In order to be completely ready, Blake has been in training for the past year, with most of his work done during the weekends, so as not to interfere with his day-to-day business schedule. Although admitting the Ironman will be a grueling experience, he's nonetheless adamant he will complete the event -- which commences at 7 a.m. "I fully expect to complete it. It will be disappointment if I don't. I'm giving up a lot of time, so I want to be able to complete it," he said. As someone in the business of training top company executives to reach their full potential, he's a firm believer being successful is all about balance. "There's more to life than large corporations and going to work. It's about happiness and balance and being healthy and physically fit is part of that," said Blake. This will be Tom's first Ironman, having completed 4 marathons, including New York, Berlin, and Toowoomba, Australia.