Darts much more than just a bar game

POLOKWANE – Dart players from across the province participated in the first Limpopo darts trials at the Mimosa Hall in the city on Saturday.

The trials served as preparation for the South African Darts Championships, which will take place in Johannesburg in July.

According to Rolly Burger, president of Limpopo Darts, the trials went well and all the players showed commitment.

She said this was the first trial of the year and three more would be held before they finalised the provincial team that would compete in the championships.

“Darts is a safe sport, but it is difficult for us to promote it as many people think it is a bar game, where players and officials just gather to drink and show off their dance moves.

“Darts is a family game and I want people to forget about the stereotype of the sport and help us to promote it in Limpopo so we can start up local darts leagues,” said Burger.

She said one of Limpopo’s top darts players, Roelof Burger, was named singles darts champion during a national competition last year.

Burger, who also participated in the trials, said he had already started with preparations for the championships.

Sanna Viljoen, Limpopo Darts public relations officer, said they planned to introduce the sport to schools soon.

She explained that the organisation was looking for more players to join them.

“We train on Mondays and Wednesdays and anyone who is willing to join, can come to the Mimosa Hall to practise with us.

“We look forward to the next three trials and we believe we will form a solid team that will represent us in the nationals,” said Viljoen.

Anyone who is interested to join the Limpopo Darts team can contact Viljoen at 072 066 6466.