Disability Snooker Set for Hazel Grove Return

World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS) is ready to host its first event in over 18 months at the Hazel Grove Snooker Club next weekend.

Scheduled to run from 15-17 October 2021, the WDBS Stockport Open will mark the return of the WDBS Tour following its enforced suspension of 18 months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The event will begin with a Friday Open Day to run from 10:30am with anyone with a disability – including all levels of experience, age and gender – welcomed to come and try snooker under the guidance of qualified WPBSA Snooker Coaches.

The weekend will then see no fewer than six competitive tournaments staged, including people with a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities. Over 45 players in the field will be grouped into specific classification groups according to their disability, based upon guidance provided by national charity Activity Alliance.

Nigel Mawer QPM, WDBS Chairman said: “We are delighted to finally be able to resume staging WDBS events following such a long gap since our previous competition in Belgium last March.

“I know just how much it will mean for all of our players to be able to see each other again, not only for a fantastic weekend of snooker, but also the social aspect of our events, which is no less important to our community. Disability snooker remains a key growth area for us and we remain as committed as ever to ultimately seeing our sport reclaim its rightful place at the Paralympic Games in the future.

“I would like to thank our hosts at the wonderful Hazel Grove Snooker Club, which during the pandemic has undergone significant refurbishment since our previous visit and that I know our players will be excited to see first-hand. The support of high-quality facilities such as this is crucial to the development of our sport.”

Dino Georgiou, manager of Hazel Grove Snooker Club added: “We are all really looking forward to welcoming WDBS and its inspiring players back to the club this weekend.

“Our previous competitions have been a huge success and with the wide-range of improvements that we have made to our facilities over the past 18 months, we hope that this event will be the best yet!”

For more information about the Stockport Open visit www.wdbs.info