DARTS SCHOOL SET UP FOR YOUNGSTERS

On a lighter note, a darts school of excellence is being set up. Aimed at 7 to 18 year olds, it will teach youngsters all about the game and where to stand at the “oche”. In the past, darts got a lot of bad press as an “unhealthy” sport, with players portrayed as having a beer gut, with a pint of beer in one hand and a cigarette hanging out of their mouths. The school organisers are eager that the sport should have a “healthier” image, stressing that there will be no smoking or drinking in their competitions. Darts is now recognised as an official sport in Britain and it is hoped that the school will discover future champions. The British Darts Organisation is campaigning for the game to be included in the 2012 London Olympics. As someone who played darts in my student days, I always liked the sport and I think it’s great that it’s finally getting some recognition.