Tickets are free with an encouraged donation to UNICEF USA for historic first division mixed teams match
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC today announced that the clubs will host PTFC For Peace – a historic mixed teams, U.S. first division charity match to raise funds for Ukrainian children and families affected by the war – on Wednesday, April 27, at Providence Park; kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (Pacific) and is free to the public with an encouraged donation.
- TICKETS: Free with encouraged donation
“Soccer is a universal and unifying sport, and as professionals, it’s important for us to use our platform for those in need and right now that’s Ukraine,” said Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair. “This is something we’ve wanted to do as a club for years, and I couldn’t think of a better reason to pull it off now than to raise money for an important cause. A match like this is one of its kind and while this game will be entertaining no doubt, the focus is to provide relief for Ukraine.”
All donations, which will be matched by the club up to $100,000, and proceeds surrounding the event will support UNICEF’s relief efforts in Ukraine and bordering countries. Flexible contributions from donors will enable UNICEF and partners to take prompt actions to meet the growing needs and fulfill the rights of children and their families affected by the war. All seating for the event will be general admission and redeemable through SeatGeek with an option to donate to UNICEF USA while acquiring a ticket.
“I always believe we are stronger together, and I’m excited to be able to play in a match that means so much more than soccer,” said Timbers midfielder Diego Chara. “This is an opportunity for us as players, as a club and as a city to help the people of Ukraine in an incredibly difficult time.”
Timbers midfielder Diego Chara and Thorns FC defender Kelli Hubly will co-captain one team and Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair and Timbers midfielder Sebastián Blanco will co-captain the other team. A streamed draft will take place next week to select players for each team with final rosters set to be announced on the website and via the club’s social media channels in advance of the match.
The yellow Nike team and the blue adidas team will square off in a 60-minute full-field match. If tied after regulation, the match will move to a shootout to determine a winner. The match will also be streamed on the club’s websites www.timbers.com and www.thornsfc.com with additional details to follow ahead of the event.
Fans in attendance and those watching remotely will have various opportunities to contribute to their efforts and can visit www.unicefusa.org/PTFC to make donations. There will also be an online auction for fans to bid on game-worn shirts from the event and other items, including flags and the game ball at www.PTFC.givesmart.com.
“UNICEF is working around the clock to ensure those most impacted by the war in Ukraine are reached with the support they need at this critical time," said Michael J. Nyenhuis, UNICEF USA President and CEO. “More than 2 million children have become refugees since the start of this war and an additional 2.5 million children have been displaced. UNICEF is delivering critical, life-saving supplies as well as psychosocial support to these children and their families and the organization is so grateful to supporters like the Timbers, Thorns and their fans who are making this work possible.”
Supporting partners of the event include adidas, Dutch Bros, SeatGeek, Nike, Tillamook, Toyota and Umpqua Bank along with presenting media partner, The Oregonian. AMR (American Medical Response), Bike Racker, Coast to Coast, the Levy Restaurants and PRO Referees will be donating their time and services to the event.
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.
UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
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