CHARITY SHIELD

THE CHARITY SHIELD

Argentine and South African professionals run the pandemic gauntlet to sustain the Charity Shield’s international allure

Amid Unrelenting eruptions of Covid-19 that emasculated sporting activities around the world, Fifth Chukker was able to leverage its traditional May/June window to host the Access bank UNICEF Charity shield, the first Nigerian polo tournament of 2021. The Club’s leading tournament, featuring some of the the sport’s top players from around the world was played over two thrilling weeks, delivering its usual fast-paced and breath-taking polo to a rapturous crowd of passionate spectators including the guest of honour and new Emir of Zazzau HRH. Alhaji Nuhu Bamali.

Eighteen teams vied for the tournament’s four prizes in the high, medium, intermediate and low goal categories all of which produced fiercely contested results. In the charity shield final Fifth Chukker gained immediate momentum from the start with a 5-goal handicap advantage against Jos Malcomines and effectively managed their lead, never trailing, to ultimately win 12-18. In the medium goal Access Bank cup final 5th Chukker ll defeated Team Sublime/60 Yard just as Lagos A-Plus and Intershelter teams emerged the proud champions of the UNICEF Cup and the Usman Dantata Cup respectively.

At closing day presentation ceremonies Access bank Managing Director Herbert Wigwe dropped the annual cheque of N10m to UNICEF stating: “Access Bank’s sponsorship is a reflection of our commitment to supporting UNICEF towards its projects for orphans and vulnerable children. We have been working in Kaduna, in collaboration with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF to elevate the quality of lives of these children in dire need.”

Prizes were handed out to the winners, runners-up and exceptional performances by HRH The Emir of Zazzau, HH the Magajin Garin Sokoto and HE Senator Ahmed Makarfi. The Comptroller General of Immigration Alhaji Ahmed Bandede also presented The Patron of the Year award to Murtala Laushe of Jos Malcomines.

Away from the feverish action on the pitch, players and resort guests had the pleasure of boosting their physical and mental well being through yoga sessions curated by Argentine fitness queen Sophia Catherena Carrara. And there was very much less care about the inevitable cramp and grit and humidity because rejuvenating spa treatment of deep-cleansing scrubs, massages and moisturisation was freely available. For cultural experience enchanted visiting ladies could have been falling over themselves for a touch of the Henna body art which is very popular in Northern Nigeria. North Africa’s contribution came in the form of a sultry performance at the gala night by one of Morocco’s most acclaimed belly dancers.

Through the generous sponsorship of Access bank since 2009, the charity shield’s full-throttle polo and lifestyle staple of high - octane games, children’s day extravaganza, art exhibitions, lavish food experience bazaars and cultural pageants ensure its status as a premium red calendar date. Nonetheless, this consistent delivery of epic sporting moments, panache and lifestyle is all for the sole purpose of helping struggling children, families and communities attain better life outcomes.