Blog: 'Darts people are a fun lot, really friendly - give it a go!'
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) website features a blog post every Friday through the year.
In 2016 we’ll be taking a look at an A-Z of accessible sporting and fitness opportunities available to disabled people. This week it’s D for Darts, and Michelle Gabica explores playing the sport from her wheelchair.
Michelle's blog:
I took up darts when I was 18, playing in the usual pub leagues. There were a series of competitions run by the News of the World. I had my daughter when I was 20, but I had a car accident when I was 23. That’s why I’m now in a wheelchair, which use all the time.
I am 50 now, and have been in my chair for more than half my life. After my accident I didn’t play for about six years, mainly because of health issues which still remain to this day. When I was ill I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t do a lot really, I had a baby and darts wasn’t a priority.
But the sport gave me a social life. I started venturing out with my mother, who also played darts, and I realised after a while that I could actually do it, I could still play. I started joining teams then, and it just went from there.
Winmau World Masters - Wheelchair Event
I play from a chair, throwing to a standard-height board. I think I’ve made a lot of people realise that accessibility is key for people like me – in a lot of pubs, darts matches used to take place in a room upstairs.
To the best of my knowledge I don’t know of another female wheelchair player in Wales, so I have to travel to England to participate in disability tournaments.
Wheelchair players can play on a lower board with the oche [where the players throws from] in the same position. Well, whenever I’ve tried it I’ve not been able to do it. I’m used to playing on a regular board against non-disabled people – technically I actually throw further than they do, because I throw at an upwards angle.
I have good eyes and know what angle I need to be at on the oche to be able to score what I want. Double one is my favourite shot! Just think how far I have to throw for treble 20 or double top…
A board has been introduced that, if you use a wheelchair, you can use a lower dartboard. If you’re standing, the board is raised to the standard height. The board then twists, raising or lowering it to the correct height for the player.
I attended my first major competition in Hull two years ago. For the first time I was competing against other disabled players. It felt odd, actually, because I was accustomed to playing non-disabled people.
It was totally different in Hull – I loved watching to see how other people play the game. I lived in Wales and have been making the point for years that a disabled person can still play darts. Finally I realised I wasn’t the only one doing it, and now more disabled people are coming forward and playing the sport.
The comments I have had from people who have seen me play have been very encouraging. People say that they know that if anything happened to them – and you never know what’s coming round the corner – that they could carry on playing darts, adapting the sport for them.
It feel great when you’re playing and you’re in the zone. I keep playing against people who I have beaten, and who I can tell don’t want to play me again. I love playing against people from England, Ireland and further abroad. Darts people are a fun lot, really friendly, and everyone wants you to give it a go.
For more information visit the British Disability Darts Association (BDDA) Facebook page.
