In a heartwarming surprise, snooker legend Steve Davis visited a group of adults with learning disabilities at Apsley House in Bristol. The visit, organized by the staff at the supported living space, brought joy to the residents, all of whom are avid fans of the sport.
Davis, a retired snooker player and former world number one, spent the day engaging with the residents, playing snooker, and sharing stories about his career. The event was described as "fabulous" by Bex Skinner, the service manager from Hft, emphasizing the positive impact of such visits on the residents' spirits.
One of the residents, Paul, who has lived at Apsley House since 1993, expressed his excitement at meeting his "hero." He shared that he used to watch Davis compete on television, and the surprise visit left him in shock. Another resident, Adrian, who has been involved in snooker for over a decade and has participated in local tournaments, also relished the opportunity to meet his idol.
During the visit, Davis complimented both Paul and Adrian on their snooker skills, noting that there was "some good talent" among the group. His warm interactions helped to bridge the gap between celebrity and fan.
"You don't really realise over the years what people have been watching or how they perceive you." – Steve Davis
Davis reflected on the importance of connection during his time with the residents. He conveyed a sense of camaraderie, stating, "It's a lovely thing when you realise immediately that you're amongst friends." He acknowledged how such moments remind him of the significance of staying grounded in his relationships with fans.
"The barriers are down and that's really nice. It keeps your feet on the ground… I don't think you realise sometimes how important it is to be one of the lads." – Steve Davis
As he engaged with the residents, Davis emphasized that these encounters allow him to transition from being merely a hero to a friend. "It's really nice to meet people because then all of a sudden you stop being their hero and you become their friend, which is far more important," he said.
"What I like about pool is you get to meet different people." – Steve Davis
The visit not only provided an unforgettable experience for the residents but also served as a reminder of the power of sports to connect individuals from various backgrounds.
