Guardian

THE Fifth Chukker Polo Club, Kaduna, now wears a new look waiting for the arrival of horses and players billed to feature in this year’s Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield polo tournament, the organisers have said.

The competition is in its sixth year, and according to officials of the club, this year’s event promises polo lovers the best of times with 17 clubs already confirmed for the competition.

Speaking on the preparation for the competition Monday, Manager, Fifth Chukker Polo Club, Babangida Hassan, disclosed that clubs from across Africa, U.S.A and Europe would feature in the tournament, which kicks off tomorrow, adding that the teams are already on ground waiting for the matches to commence.

He said the club, which has already become a tourism option for polo lovers across the world, has put together some events to entertain the players and teams, as well as, visitors to Kaduna.

According to Hassan, “in the country for the competition is the Work-to-ride, a team of vulnerable street kids from Philadelphia, U.S.A, who are in the country to play against Nigerian children.

“We also have the students of American University, Yola, in the UNICEF Cup. There is also the Access Bank Cup, which features nine teams of professional players…these are some of the best players in the world some of who are up to +7 and +8 categories.

“I want to assure all polo lovers that they would be treated to best of the game in an environment conducive for family and corporate enjoyment.”

Also speaking on the competition, Access Bank’s Executive Director, Private Banking, Victor Etuokwu, disclosed that the bank sponsors the competition because of the similarities in the tournament’s objective, including its campaign against the HIV/ AIDS pandemic, and the appreciation of the contribution of the Kaduna Royal Family to the development of polo in Nigeria.

“In terms of similarities in objectives, as you are aware, Access Bank is a socially responsible institution with commitment to social and environmental wellbeing. The sponsorship provides the bank with yet another opportunity through its partnership with UNICEF and Fifth Chukker Polo Club to intensify the campaign against HIV/AIDS pandemic and care for over vulnerable and orphaned children in Kaduna.”

Etuokwo disclosed that the over all winner of the tournament would get $20,000 as prize money.