Parkinson's UK funding helps people with Parkinson's get into snooker

Physical activity grant funding from Parkinson's UK is helping more people get involved with snooker and billiards across the UK. 

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) is set to launch its "Introduction to Snooker" campaign which works with people from the Parkinson's community to get them involved in the sport. 

The new accessible snooker sessions will start in early 2024. They have been developed in partnership with the World Snooker Federation (WSF) and World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS). 

The WPBSA will work with 8 local Parkinson's groups, offering 4 free sessions per group at nearby snooker halls with professional coaching from a qualified WPBSA instructor. 

Each session will last for 2 hours with participants taking part in fun snooker coaching, followed by group games to help them practice together. 

The emphasis of the new sessions is all about having fun and socialising, with participants invited to stay for a tea or coffee after playing. 

Playing snooker with a long term health condition such as Parkinson's can have major benefits for a person's physical and mental wellbeing. The sport offers great opportunities for people to socialise and it is hoped that the new Parkinson's snooker groups will help more people to get active in an accessible and fun way.  

The grant funding will cover associated coaching and club costs during the project delivery which is due to start in early 2024.  

Bob Hill, Club and Facilities Manager at WPBSA, said:  

"We are delighted to be working with Parkinson’s UK, who has recognised the many benefits of playing snooker. Our fantastic network of snooker clubs, who are true community hubs, will offer an excellent environment for these sessions." 

Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Manager at Parkinson's UK, said: 

"Being active is one of the best ways to manage Parkinson’s symptoms as regular physical activity can improve both long-term physical and mental wellbeing. Plus, activities like snooker offer great social opportunities for people with Parkinson's to enjoy being active."