The World Senior Snooker (WSS) Championship is being held in Sheffield, giving locals the chance to watch some of the game’s legends in action at the Crucible Theatre.
WSS chairman Jason Francis said: “Sheffield has hosted the World Professional Championship for 47 years, but as it is a global event, not many people from Sheffield necessarily get the chance to take part. It sells out very quickly. That’s because it ends up happening,” he said. The good thing about seniors is that there are a lot of locals. ”
Part of this field is made up of invited players like Jimmy “Whirlwind” White. The remaining slots are open to amateur players over the age of 45 from anywhere in the world.
World Senior Snooker will host a ‘Seniors of Sheffield Day’ on Friday 10th May, welcoming Sheffield’s aging population of 600 to watch and socialize at the tournament.
Age UK, our partner for the day, says 500,000 older people spend at least five or six days a week not seeing or speaking to anyone. Francis said the event helps people know they are not alone.
The tournament will run from May 8th to 12th and will be broadcast live on Channel 5. Tickets are on sale at the Crucible on 0114 2496000 or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.