The Paul Hunter Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Paul, with the specific aim of giving disadvantaged, able bodied and disabled youngsters an opportunity to play snooker
The “Kids Into Snooker” project is a new concept that will provide children with the opportunity to experience the game of snooker, some for the very first time.
Encouraged by family and friends, Paul spent many hours at the practice table, and by the age of 12, had become an outstanding junior talent. The Leeds youngster made his debut amongst the professional ranks at the tender age of 16.
Paul turned professional in 1995 and won his first ranking title in 1998, when he claimed the Regal Welsh, a feat that he repeated in 2002 before winning the British Open in the same year.
In 2003 Paul's best performance at the World Championship came when he reached the semi-finals, losing 17-16 to Ken Doherty in one of the great Crucible matches.
A combination of outstanding talent, hard work and determination helped him win three Masters titles in fours years and saw him move up to fourth in the world rankings.
His media profile developed swiftly and he became known as the 'Beckham of the Baize' for his glamorous image.
In defeat he was a true sportsman who lost with the same feeling of honour that he had when he won. This kind of quality will be passed onto children taking part in the KIS programme.
The KIS programme may in time help to discover some Hunter talent, but its main aim is to bring enjoyment and learning to children far-and-wide through playing snooker.
