Young darts stars urged to aim high

Australia’s best young darts players will tackle this year’s national junior championships in Brisbane knowing world fame is an attainable target.

Acting Sport Minister Karen Struthers said today the success of Brisbane champion Simon Whitlock at the recent ( 4 Jan ) world darts championships, when he finished runner-up, should inspire young Australian players to "aim high".

The national junior titles begin at Inala Darts Club on Sunday 10 January and run through until 16 January.

"Just last year, Simon Whitlock took out the Queensland Open championship and then set out to establish himself on the international darts scene," Ms Struthers said.

"Reaching the world final has changed his life. He says he has gained sponsors and thanks to his winnings, can now go on the British circuit full-time.

"All young Australian darts players now know that anything is possible if you set your target, practise and build your skills."

Ms Struthers said the junior event brought together the best young players from around the country to compete over seven days.

"These are the game’s elite, but of course darts is an activity that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age or ability," she said.

"It challenges the mind as well as hand and eye coordination and is exceptionally social in the way it promotes interaction with team-mates and competitors.

"These championships are a great opportunity for youngsters to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with people from around Australia."

Ms Struthers said the Queensland Government had provided funding support for darts and broadly assisted Queensland communities to build facilities and run programs "to enable more people to lead active and healthy lifestyles through participation in sport and recreation".

The Bligh Government continued to provide more funding for sport and recreation than any other state or territory government in Australia.

Media contact: Minister’s office 3224 7081 or 3235 9236