Back to PFC home page

DECODE ENTERTAINMENT IS GOING FOR GOLD WITH
THE PORTLAND FOOTBALL CLUB

For Immediate Release

(April 13, 2004 - Toronto) Leading children's and family entertainment producer DECODE Entertainment is going into production on a 60 minute documentary covering an inspirational youth sporting event. Going for Gold is the story of a group of kids from Ontario who get a chance to live their dreams by competing in an international soccer/football tournament, The Gothia Cup in Sweden.

The Gothia Cup is the 'World Cup' of soceer/football for teens. Started in 1975, it now has over 1,200 teams competing from Albania to Zambia. Going for Gold follows the trans Atlantic journey of the team, aged between 16 and 18, from the rural community of Portland, Ontario to the international playing fields in Europe.

The Portland Football Club never imagined that their neighbourhood soccer club, initially created as pick up games on an unkempt field, would lead them to Sweden. With unprecedented determination, under the direction of their coach Anders Carson, this team of relative underdogs has overcome major obstacles to make their dreams come true. Going for Gold is a great inspirational story for kids about beating the odds and knowing that with teamwork and heart it is possible to make your dreams come true.

DECODE was so inspired by the players story, that it has signed on to make a documentary following the team to Sweden. The special has already been picked up by TV Ontario and has interest from several international broadcasters.

The players, their families and the whole community of Portland (population: 250) has worked tirelessly since 2003 to help fundraise the staggering $42,000 dollars needed to send the entire team of twenty-one to Sweden. The town has pitched in to help make playing at Gothia a reality with dances, car bingo, spaghetti dinners, selling shirts & hats, donating soccer uniforms, and helping to find an appropriate playing field for the kids to practice.

The team is almost there and have managed to raise $32,000 of the money needed but they are still short $10,000 to make their trip a reality and that's where DECODE comes in. DECODE has decided to support the team with their drive so that all the players can make the journey to Sweden.

DECODE and The Portland Football Club will be hosting a fundraising event in Toronto on April 29, 2004 with the band The Lush Kings at Mr. Slate at 952 Kingston Rd. During the evening there will also be a silent auction event, in which one of the items up for bid will be a signed hockey jersey of Mats Sundin from the Swedish National team donated by the Swedish Embassy. Come out and help this team go as far as their dreams can take them.

For further information please contact:
Jacqueline Nuwame, Decode Entertainment
Tel: (416) 363-8034
jacqueline@decode-ent.com

Notes to editors:

About DECODE Entertainment
Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in London, DECODE Entertainment Inc. develops finances, produces and distributes distinctive live action and animated programming for the family, children's and youth markets. DECODE's raft of innovative shows include animation Angela Anaconda, Olliver's Adventures, Undergrads, The Save-Ums, King, Blobheads, What About Mimi?, Girlstuff/Boystuff; live action Radio Free Roscoe, Our Hero and The Zack Files and factual series Be the Creature. DECODE Interactive also produces award-winning stand-alone customised websites for key programming titles. www.decode.tv