A group of friends has launched Britain’s first darts team for the blind. The team, named ‘The Optimists’, admit some wayward darts have already caused damage to the inside of their local pub. The players guide their darts with a piece of string attached to the board which helps them feel where it is.
One question… who keeps the score?
We’re shutting the door to the toilet just in case someone comes through and gets a dart in the rear.
Cornwall’s first blind darts team is preparing for its inaugural game. The four wholly visually impaired teammates will make their first appearance at the Dolphin Inn in Grampound on Thursday. Richard Pryor, who lost his sight 40 years ago, said the idea was mooted after a few pints at the pub, where the group of friends, called the Optimists, meet monthly.
Mr Pryor, 68, said: “While we were down the pub the other day, Joe, the landlord, mentioned that Rotary had organised for pubs to take part in the a Fast Darts competition. He asked if we wanted to put in a blind darts team. After three pints I am up for anything and we said yes.” The team will be aided by a piece of string attached to the bull’s eye which they will use with one hand as a tactile means to establish their aim. After “quite a lot of practice” and help from Joe’s son, the Darting Optimists are preparing to make a throw.
Mr Pryor, a social worker, added: “No one has been injured yet, although there has been quite a bit of damage to the door and around the board. I think it’s a great idea and it’s quite exciting. We’re always up for something that’s a bit different. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. I have been blind for 40 years and I have had a superb time, I wouldn’t swap it for anything. However, on the night people might want to stand back a little bit as I don’t think we get any points for hitting the spectators.”
Terri Rosnau-Ward, chief executive of the Cornwall Blind Association, said the county has blind shooting and bowls, but she has never come across a visually impaired darts team. “With the right bit of support there’s nothing you cannot do,” she added. “It might take you slightly longer but we can usually achieve the same things as sighted people.” Fast Darts starts at 8pm and has been organised by the St Austell Bay Rotary Club to raise money for the Merlin MS Centre and the other good causes it supports. Landlord Joe Fryer said it will be about having fun and raising money, although the door to the room where the competition takes place will be closed “just in case” a dart strays off course.
