Access Bank UK Polo Day Holds Today to Raise Funds for Education
Access Bank UK Limited
has concluded arrangements to host its annual Polo Day at Guards Polo Club,
Windsor, today, Saturday, July 20.
The Access Bank UK Polo Day, an annual
charity event, which is part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),
is the culmination of a year-long fund-raising programme in partnership with
UNICEF for education projects in the Northern part of Nigeria. CSR and
exemplary Corporate Governance form part of the hallmarks of Access Bank.
From inception to date,
the UNICEF/Access Bank, funds from the charity event have been used to rebuild
schools in Kaduna and keep more than 12,000 students in continuous education.
At the same time, new solar-powered 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 being supported with
boreholes for water and sewing and grinding machines to secure employment and
stimulate economic and social development.
The Access Bank UK Polo Day with the
support of the Access
Bank Group, the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC,
highlights the plight of vulnerable children and orphans as well as internationally
displaced persons. In partnership with Fifth Chukker and based in Kaduna,
Nigeria, Access Bank Polo Tournament generates funds and stimulates support for
the work of the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative across Africa. Essentially, the primary objective is to
empower underprivileged children through education and ensuring that these
deserving children have the opportunity to dream, learn and grow.
Last year’s event 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.
At the event, Herbert Wigwe, the then Group
Managing Director of Access Holdings PLC and Chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd
(now late), 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.”
Jamie Simmonds, The Access Bank UK Ltd
CEO and Managing Director, noted the successful Charity event at Guard’s Polo
with Fifth Chukker was a tradition, which was only possible due to the loyalty
of the customers.
This year’s Polo Day promises to be more exciting
than the previous one, with more guests with mind of giving back and creating
impacts, expected to grace the
epoch-making event.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT:
Peter Walker PIELLE Consulting, mobile +44
7836 223513
Email: peter.walker@pielleconsulting.com
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