Stephen Harrison Leads Paralympic Snooker Comeback Push, Honoring Father’s Legacy
Sheffield snooker coach and former professional player Stephen Harrison is spearheading efforts to reinstate snooker as a Paralympic sport, building on the foundation laid by his father, Ray Harrison, a pioneer in disability snooker. The campaign gains momentum with discussions underway for inclusion in the 2032 Paralympic Games in Australia.
A History of Paralympic Snooker
Snooker debuted at the inaugural Summer Paralympics in Rome in 1960 and remained a consistent fixture in subsequent Games, with the exception of 1980, until its removal from the program in 1988. The sport’s absence spans nearly four decades, a gap Stephen Harrison is determined to close.
Ray Harrison: A Champion for Disability Snooker
Stephen’s drive stems from the legacy of his father, Ray Harrison, a 1985 World Paraplegic Snooker Champion and Paralympic gold medalist. Ray Harrison dedicated his life to expanding access to snooker for individuals with disabilities, traveling the world to share his skills and promote the sport’s positive impact. He won a gold medal in 1985, a silver in 1982, and bronze medals in 1983 and 1984.
The Stephen Harrison Academy: Growing Grassroots Support
Founded in 2007, the Stephen Harrison Academy in Sheffield has become a leading center for disability snooker in the UK, currently supporting over 250 weekly members. The academy provides professional snooker tuition for people with learning and physical disabilities and hosts national snooker events. Stephen Harrison established the academy to fulfill his father’s vision of using snooker to positively influence the lives of disadvantaged individuals.
Reviving Participation and Innovation
Harrison emphasizes the need to rebuild participation levels to those seen in the 1980s, when tournaments attracted around 120 players. To achieve this, the academy is focusing on grassroots projects and introducing innovative formats like “Q10” snooker. Q10 is played on a nine-by-four foot table with 10 legs instead of the standard 15, creating a faster-paced and more accessible game.
International Showcase and Inclusivity
In early April, the Stephen Harrison Academy will host an event attracting players from around the globe, including Mexico, China, the USA, and India, to practice and showcase the sport. The event will be free to access for schools, colleges, and community groups, prioritizing inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
Looking Ahead to 2032
“My driver is to try and get this sport back into the Paralympics,” Harrison stated. “There’s been talks about winning it by 2032.” The academy’s efforts, combined with growing international interest, signal a renewed hope for snooker’s return to the Paralympic stage, honoring the legacy of Ray Harrison and opening doors for a recent generation of players.
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