Tomorrow sees the start of the Pink Ribbon Tournament, a large pro-am which will be the first event at the impressive new South West Snooker Academy in Gloucester.
It is the brainchild of Paul Mount, who manages a stable of players including Jimmy White, Barry Hawkins and Stephen Lee.
Money from entry fees, after deductions to cover the prize fund, will go breast cancer charities.
Mount’s sister died of the disease and he is dedicated to raising both money and awareness. His players all wear pink-backed waistcoats in tournaments.
The academy will host tournaments and offer practice facilities, much like at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, which has just changed its focus to be the main venue for main tour qualifiers.
Stephen Maguire, Ryan Day, Judd Trump, Michael Holt, Stuart Bingham, Nigel Bond, Dominic Dale, Ricky Walden, Tony Drago and Matthew Stevens are among the entrants with a prize fund of £10,000.
Mount told global-snooker.com: “It’s not about the money. It’s about trying to make a difference and help to develop the sport. If snooker is better as a result I will be happy.”
What a refreshing attitude and what a great way of raising funds for an all too common disease.
I wish this new project nothing but success.
7 comments:
Indeed, a wonderful idea!
I`m part of a similar project and I know that it really makes a difference! So....GO Pink! :)
very good indeed
We have just enjoyed the eve of launch BBQ at Paul's house and you can read the story and see the photos here...
http://www.global-snooker.com/Global-Snooker-News-Pink-ribbon-bbq-100616.asp
Everyone who has seen the new Academy today is absolutely "buzzing" about the place.
From the tables, to brand new live scoring, to players lounge, player's kitchen, shop and all the facilities for disabled access including lifts, toilets etc. I can't see any detail that has been overlooked.
There will even be a media centre provided.
There is a Holiday Inn Express about 3 minutes walk away and it didn't take us long to find Jude's cafe which serves up delicious bacon butties amongst other delicacies!
This sounds like a wonderful way of raising awareness for a cause that affects so many people.
Breast cancer takes far too many people from us prematurely, and I'm sure most of us know someone who has been hit my this terrible illness.
Raising money and awareness in this way shows what a positive impact sport can have upon the wider community.
We at SupremeSnooker.com wish this project every success.
The thing I like about tournaments like this is the likes of James Popplewell get to play Jimmy White. For some players who have practised hard all their life that must be an amazing experience.
If I played the likes of Jimmy White, Stephen Lee, Nigel Bond I'm not sure I'd be able to pot a ball.
Any chance of getting the live scoring working for this tournament ;-)
This is great news, gonna pop along tomorrow and take in the new venue, well done Paul!
Well done Michael Holt, about time you won a tournament (singles)
But fair play to Jimmy too, four final frame deciding victories aint bad. Hopefully he can take that form into the players tour.
Seemed like a great event, well done to those involved
Post a Comment