15 teams, three cups on offer at Access Bank-UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tourney

Fifteen clubs will vie for honours in three categories at the 2018 Access Bank-UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament scheduled to hold at Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Resort, Kaduna from June 18 to June 24, the organisers have revealed.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the organisers said the competition, revered as the biggest charity and sporting attraction in Nigeria and perhaps on the African continent for years, promises to be the most competitive and exciting with a record number of entries loaded with international stars from around the world expected to vie for honours.

Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access BankPlc, Victor Etuokwu, who confirmed the tournament date, said the bank would continue to maintain its yearly commitment in supporting UNICEF towards its projects for orphans and vulnerable children.

He noted that Access Bank and Fifth Chukker had over the years been supporting UNICEF and empowering people in Maraban Jos community and its environs in Kaduna in a pivotal commitment that has continually been lauded by the public.

“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 northern Nigeria especially in Kaduna state,” he emphasized.

Marketing Manager of Fifth Chukker, Hafsat Ambursa said special food and entertainment fares have been added to the event this year, to make it more exciting. She also disclosed that cuisines from Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Argentine and host Nigeria would be exhibited during the week-long charity Polo fiesta.

“Fifth Chukker is proud to continue in its development of this established partnership with Access Bank and UNICEF. As the level of play continues to raise the bar in Nigerian polo and captures a truly international following; the charity work follows in a similar fashion,” she added.

UNICEF Partnerships Officer, Angela Ochuko Ege, said, “There are millions of Nigerian children out of school and many of them are from the north. I do believe the power of education will transform the society. So, UNICEF looks forward to expanding this partnership (with Access Bank) to advocate the realization of children’s rights as well.”
UNICEF also disclosed that there were millions of Nigerian children out of school and many of them are from the north.

“We do believe the power of education would transform the society. So, we look forward to expanding this partnership (with Access Bank Plc.) to advocate the realization of children’s rights.”

Campaigns for the glittering Access Bank Cup and the low-goal UNICEF Cup promise to be an exciting experience with regulars and debutants bracing for fierce games  in a potentially explosive confrontations that may remain tight up till the very final day of the grand fiesta.
Defending champions, Leighton Kings who are seeking their second Charity Shield title, will have their hands full as they battle two former finalists, Abuja Rubicon and KeffiPonys for the continental polo crown.