By Solomon Nwoke
Seventeen Polo clubs from across the globe are gearing up for the continent’s premium polo extravaganza as the annual Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament gallops off at the Fifth Chukker lawns of Kangimi Resort in Kaduna from May 29 to June 9, 2013. The two-week long tournament sponsored by Access Bank Plc is in its 6th year running.

The polo fiesta which has been the biggest sporting attraction in Nigeria and indeed, in Africa for the past six years promises to be the most competitive and exciting with a record number of international stars from around the world expected to vie for honours.

Sponsored exclusively by Access Bank Plc, its sponsorship of the multi-million  Naira Charity Shield was renewed for another four years after the expiration of the initial contract in 2011; with a handsome offer of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) as prize money for the overall champions and lots of consolation prizes for runners up.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos ahead of the prestigious tournament, the Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, said that proceed from sale of memorabilia at the annual tournament in addition to the N5million donation from Access Bank Plc, would be used to support UNICEF in its campaign against HIV AIDS pandemic”.

“This year’s tournament is more than an affirmation of our commitment to socio-economic wellbeing of mankind and acknowledgement of the impact the initiative has had on the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable children in Kaduna State and its environ; it is also an opportunity for providing special care for Access Bank’s customers through our Private Banking services”.

“Access Bank’s sponsorship of the tournament is as a result of the similarities in the tournament’s objective and the Bank’s relentless campaign against the pandemic,” Etuokwu pointed out, adding that Access Bank is committed to supporting the charity shield event which is organized in partnership with UNICEF and the Fifth Chukker Polo tournament.

Some of the high goal teams listed to contest for top honours and the prize money include the defending champion Access Bank Fifth Chukker Team, and Deebee Farms. Also geared for the tournament are Deebee Farms II, R.T.C, Linkage Petroleum, Terra E&P, CarCraft Kangimi, Max Air, Meridean, Bankola Foundation, Work To Ride, Nurul Suraj, Rubicon, and AUN fortified with

In his contribution, Babangida Hassan, Fifth Chukker Polo Team Manager said they are proud to continue in its development of this established partnership with Access Bank and UNICEF.

He also added that Fifth Chukker is proud to welcome Mr. Kanu Nwankwo, Nigerian ex-international footballer as the 2013/2014 Charity Ambassador who will represent Fifth Chukker on charity initiatives concerning the welfare of the vulnerable and underprivileged children of Nigeria.