Access Bank UK Raises Funds For Education With Polo Day

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.