National Snooker Disability Day

The WPBSA hosted the first National Snooker Disability Day in Sheffield on Saturday.

The activities took place in Cue Zone in the Winter Garden, close to the Crucible Theatre where the Betfred World Championship is being staged.

The day started at 9am with free coaching available, led by coach Steve Rutter and his team, including specialist disability coach Tim Squires and player Jason Wholey.

All disabled snooker players took part in the 60 second challenge championship, endeavouring to pot as many reds as they could in a minute.

Brandon Nicklin from Seven Hills School won the trophy and all participants received WPBSA medals.

Pupils from a local school for children with disabilities attended and also watched live snooker inside the Crucible.

Jason Wholey, who has a false eye and leg, said: “I started playing snooker as an escape after being bullied at school. I got the bug and now I often compete in European Tour events. Thanks to snooker I’ve played in many countries around the world and met many new friends. It has given me the opportunity throughout my life to meet many inspirational people. Playing the sport around the country, I have come across so many disabled snooker players. My aim is to see other disabled snooker players follow in my footsteps and to see disabled snooker as a recognised global sport.”