Welcome to Disability Snooker a new
social enterprise aimed at staging regional, national and international snooker events.
Based in Sheffield our long term goal is to reinstate snooker as a paralympic
sport.
Disability Snooker is very keen to organise snooker competitions for people with disabilities. We know there are a number of disabled people who are excellent snooker players; they are skilful, dexterous and mobile enough to move swiftly around tables and also able to get to different venues as long as access to the tables and sites is provided for them. After the success of the Paralympics in London, the Grand Tour in Yorkshire and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow we could surely provide opportunities for disabled people to not only enjoy the sport of snooker as a recreational activity but also to compete at a higher level where competitors can truly show their abilities. Many disabled snooker players have contacted us asking whether competitions can be arranged and I know they can if funds can be found to start a movement towards attaining this goal. Just because some people begin their lives with a disability or are dealt the blow later, either through illness or accident, doesn't mean that their needs should be forgotten. They must be empowered to go forward and be given the opportunity to reach their full potential in a sport that is enjoyable, manageable and fulfilling. |
Ray Harrison 1933 - 1993
Gold Medalist World Paraplegic Snooker Champion 1985 |
Disability
Snooker is guided by the inspiration and example of my late father Ray
Harrison who was an excellent wheelchair snooker player. He had the
ability to compete at a higher level but was sometimes prevented from
doing so owing to small spaces and smoky atmospheres, problems which now
no longer exist. I watched my dad arranging local matches on a regular basis years ago when it was more difficult to put such ideas into operation, but he had enthusiasm and determination on how disabled people should lead their lives and this included enjoying sport; not just watching it but also participating in any way that was accessible and I know following his example the requirements and needs that have to be considered in order to arrange such competitions.
Life is rarely easy for most of us, there are constant problems and anxieties which have to be dealt with on a daily basis, but these daily events are multiplied many times for disabled people who have extra challenges to meet; they surmount greater obstacles and tackle more problems than the majority of able bodied people can possibly imagine. They are brave and resourceful, deserving of opportunities and goodwill to help them attain more fulfilment in their lives. I believe that consideration and understanding of how to bring more enjoyment and interest in activities, directing thoughts away from day to day repetition can be achieved through sport, which is the main reason why I push for encouraging the game of snooker for disabled people. I know from experience that snooker can be played at a number of levels. In its simplest form numbers, colours, concentration and rules can be learned. No special equipment is required other than a cue and a venue where snooker tables are available. At a further level as learning progresses, social events can be arranged where groups meet to discuss tactics and improve skills as well as enjoyment in each others company.
I’ve just mentioned a few things here that can create a pleasant, social atmosphere and enhance life for people who struggle with disabilities. However, Disability Snooker’s primary objective and focus at the present time is to push for the group who would enjoy participating in the game of snooker at a higher level. We aim to arrange competitions for disabled people who are proficient enough to really benefit from competing and showing their skills and abilities to a wider audience. We also want to promote this project and to bring about success. We don’t want the interest to disappear in discussions where conclusions cannot be reached or they are left in abeyance; such a response can only create frustration and disappointment for those wishing to take part once interest has been aroused.
Arranging such competitive events would not only be good for disabled people, it would also reflect well on the reputation of the city of Sheffield, (the home of snooker) transforming public opinion regarding the sporting abilities of the disabled. If we develop this project of competitions it will spread to other cities, towns and counties. The promotion of this idea would not only be excellent for the city of Sheffield it would lead to good publicity for the whole country. Snooker is such an accessible, enjoyable game and a terrific sport. Played at top level there is an intensity and sense of drama that is pure joy to watch. Participation at a good competitive level should not be denied to disabled people who have enthusiasm and skill to give to the sport and could provide equal interest and pleasure for an audience, changing attitudes and creating respect and admiration.
Life is rarely easy for most of us, there are constant problems and anxieties which have to be dealt with on a daily basis, but these daily events are multiplied many times for disabled people who have extra challenges to meet; they surmount greater obstacles and tackle more problems than the majority of able bodied people can possibly imagine. They are brave and resourceful, deserving of opportunities and goodwill to help them attain more fulfilment in their lives. I believe that consideration and understanding of how to bring more enjoyment and interest in activities, directing thoughts away from day to day repetition can be achieved through sport, which is the main reason why I push for encouraging the game of snooker for disabled people. I know from experience that snooker can be played at a number of levels. In its simplest form numbers, colours, concentration and rules can be learned. No special equipment is required other than a cue and a venue where snooker tables are available. At a further level as learning progresses, social events can be arranged where groups meet to discuss tactics and improve skills as well as enjoyment in each others company.
I’ve just mentioned a few things here that can create a pleasant, social atmosphere and enhance life for people who struggle with disabilities. However, Disability Snooker’s primary objective and focus at the present time is to push for the group who would enjoy participating in the game of snooker at a higher level. We aim to arrange competitions for disabled people who are proficient enough to really benefit from competing and showing their skills and abilities to a wider audience. We also want to promote this project and to bring about success. We don’t want the interest to disappear in discussions where conclusions cannot be reached or they are left in abeyance; such a response can only create frustration and disappointment for those wishing to take part once interest has been aroused.
Arranging such competitive events would not only be good for disabled people, it would also reflect well on the reputation of the city of Sheffield, (the home of snooker) transforming public opinion regarding the sporting abilities of the disabled. If we develop this project of competitions it will spread to other cities, towns and counties. The promotion of this idea would not only be excellent for the city of Sheffield it would lead to good publicity for the whole country. Snooker is such an accessible, enjoyable game and a terrific sport. Played at top level there is an intensity and sense of drama that is pure joy to watch. Participation at a good competitive level should not be denied to disabled people who have enthusiasm and skill to give to the sport and could provide equal interest and pleasure for an audience, changing attitudes and creating respect and admiration.