As part of its continued support of UNICEF, Access Holdings Plc, along with 5th Chukker, The Access Bank UK Ltd and Access Private Bank hosted the ‘Access Bank Polo Day’ at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor on Saturday 15th July 2023.
The Access Bank Polo event is held in partnership with the Fifth Chukker Resort, with the primary objective of empowering underprivileged children through education, and ensuring that these deserving children have the opportunity to dream, learn and grow.
The goal of this charity polo tournament was to raise funds for constructing 100 classroom blocks in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Through this initiative, we have made significant strides in supporting the UNICEF education intervention project, positively impacting the lives of over 12,000 children.
The day was filled with two exciting polo matches between Malcomines, Delaney, Fifth Chukka and Access Bank. On the field of play Malcomines Polo won the Khalifa Cup, beating Delaney Polo 7-4 across four chukkas. However, Delaney Polo’s Damian Duncan, who had a standout game in the number one position, was rewarded with the Access Bank Most Valuable Player prize.
The second match of the day, for the Access Bank Charity Cup, saw a win for Access Bank. They beat Fifth Chukker 4-3 in a fast-paced game that featured some of the sport’s top players including Juan Martin Nero, Polito Pieres, Alfredo Bigatti and Guillermo Terrera. Access Bank’s Sayyu Dantata received the Most Valuable Player prize from Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II – Emir of Kano. He then stepped up to receive the Access Bank Best Playing Pony prize for Bayita, whom he had played in the fourth chukka.
After the prize giving, guests adjourned to the marquee for an enjoyable celebration accompanied by a performance by the Cavemen.
Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director of Access Holdings PLC and Chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd, said: “Together our continuing support for the Fifth Chukker – UNICEF initiative reflects our view of our role as a change agent in Nigeria and Africa that can help institute socio-economic development through responsible business practice, social initiatives and environmental consideration.”
The Access Bank UK Ltd CEO and Managing Director, Jamie Simmonds, added that the successful Charity event at Guard’s Polo with Fifth Chukker is a tradition and it is only possible due to the loyalty of the customers.
Since the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative was started it has rebuilt schools in Kaduna and has kept more than 12,000 students in continuous education. At the same time new school blocks and a computer literacy building all in a more secure and friendly school environment have been developed. The communities surrounding the schools are supported with boreholes for water and sewing and grinding machines to secure employment and stimulate economic and social development.
