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The scheme, launched this week, will see free tickets for a multitude of sporting and entertainment events handed out to soldiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Troops need to pay just £1, which will be donated to charity, to use this independent service, which can be accessed at www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk
World Snooker has donated 250 tickets to all sessions of the Masters at Wembley Arena in January, 50 tickets to each session of the Welsh Open and at least 30 tickets per session to the first eight days of December’s UK Championship in Telford. More tickets will be donated to the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship in Sheffield in April.
All of these tournaments will give soldiers the chance to see the world’s best snooker players battling for the sport’s most-prized trophies.
Seven-times World Champion Stephen Hendry said: “This is a chance for us to say, in however small a way, ‘thank you’ to those who are protecting our safety. We look forward to seeing some of the soldiers attending tournaments and I’m sure all of the players will want to put on a good show for them.”
Another former World Champion, Peter Ebdon, added: “The soldiers out there do an incredible job and we should all be proud of them and do what we can to improve their lives when they come back. Tickets For Troops is the least we can do and I’m delighted that snooker is getting behind the campaign.”
Speaking at the launch of Tickets For Troops, Conservative party leader David Cameron said: “Servicemen and women are fighting, and dying, to keep us safe. They are fighting for us, so all of us should play our part. This scheme is tapping into a deep well of support from people who want to do more for our armed forces.”
Former England footballer Gary Lineker, a keen snooker player himself who has made century breaks, added: “I spent a few days out in Afghanistan recently and it was a humbling experience. The heat was well into the 40s and you wouldn’t believe the grit and dust. This is a terrific idea and it’s important that we show respect for what the soldiers are doing out there and the sacrifice they have made.” |
