Preston Parkinson’s community given the cue to start playing snooker

People living with Parkinson’s in Preston and the surrounding areas are being invited to try a new local snooker pilot which is running until early May.
By Philip LindleyContributor
Published 13th Mar 2024, 15:35 GMT
Updated 13th Mar 2024, 17:16 GMT
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The free snooker sessions launch on Monday 18 March and will be held from 12.30pm at Elite Snooker Club, Coote Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston, PR5 5JD.

Parkinson’s UK and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) are working together to deliver the new classes, which are taking place at 8 snooker clubs across England and Wales.

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Grant funding from Parkinson’s UK is helping the WPBSA to run the sessions with specially trained local snooker coaches delivering the classes. It, and it is hoped that the sessions will help to reduce social isolation and improve physical and mental wellbeing for people living in these areas.

Right on cue: Preston snooker sessions to help local Parkinson's communityRight on cue: Preston snooker sessions to help local Parkinson's community
Right on cue: Preston snooker sessions to help local Parkinson's community

Participants are recommended to book their free place at the following Preston classes:

  • Monday 18 March

  • Monday 8 April

  • Monday 15 April

  • Monday 13 May

Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Lead for Parkinson’s UK, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the WPBSA and we hope the new grant funding will allow more people with Parkinson’s to try something new and stay active.

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“The WPBSA is offering an innovative pilot of in-person snooker sessions for the local Parkinson’s community. Grant funding from the charity represents a fantastic opportunity for more people to get involved and begin their physical activity journey in a fun and social way.

“Being active is so important for people with Parkinson’s as it can help manage symptoms, maintain health and lift your mood. It can make you feel good inside and out. The more physically active you are, the easier it is to live well with Parkinson’s.”

Chris Lovell, WPBSA snooker coach, said:

“I’m delighted to be hosting the new Parkinson’s snooker sessions and to encourage more people living locally to be active in a fun and engaging way. The new group is a chance to meet others who are living with Parkinson’s and to have a go at snooker in a friendly environment.

“Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of age or ability and you can even bring your relatives or carers along to encourage you to practise your potting skills, or try some trick shots. We want more people to get to know each other and create an atmosphere where everyone is welcome, so why not come along and pick up a cue.”

For more information about the Preston snooker sessions, contact Chris Lovell on [email protected] or call 07970 679 810

Related topics:PrestonParticipantsGrant funding