RIVERS, OTHERS RAISE N31M FOR NIGER DELTA POLO TOURNAMENT

By NBF News

The Rivers State government and several other organizations have donated more than N31 million for the hosting of the forthcoming 2013 Niger Delta International Polo Tournament.

The tournament, which will feature polo players from several parts of Nigeria, South Africa, as well as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, will hold at the Port Harcourt Polo Club from January 10 to January 20, 2013.

Apart from the Rivers State government, donations also came from the Port Harcourt City and Bonny Local Government Areas as well as Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, amongst others.

Speaking during the fund-raising dinner in Port Harcourt on Saturday night, President of the Port Harcourt Polo Club, Mr. Ibifiri Bob-Manuel said the club decided to embark on the a fund-raiser so as to meet up with the budget of the tournament.

Bob-Manuel stated that all the structures to be used for the tournament, including 44 stables were 90% completed and would be ready before the commencement of the international event on January 10, 2013.

He described Port Harcourt Polo Club as one of the best 100 polo clubs in Africa, pointing out that the management committee of the Club has continued to strive to achieve only the best.

Also speaking, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele commended the leadership of the Club for the numerous changes that have taken place in the club within the past one year.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Rear Admiral James Bua expressed the hope that with the support of donors and sponsors, the Port Harcourt Polo Club would be able to host the tournament successfully.