The Birth of Disability Darts
In 2006 a dart player from a country town in southeast Australia began studying to become a darts coach.
From this small town of 2000 people began a campaign to include those with lower body impairment within the sport of darts.
What followed was to change our sport forever...
And so it began ...
"Of all the things we can do in darts, this is the most worthy".
Kelvin James DA Pres 2013
White Paper submitted to Darts Victoria outlining possibilities for disability inclusion in our sport.
2006
2008
The Wildfire 137 Dart Frame was invented.
2010
Darts Australia approved
the lowered board height for wheelchair players in a world first using the Wildfire Frame.
Ian Gray below met Russ for the first time at the Vic Open. He became a mentor and friend in a friendship that has lasted over a decade.
The Wildfire 137 Dart Frame was displayed for the first time at the Victorian Open Darts Championship.
2010
2010
Darts Australia approved
the lowered board height for wheelchair players in a world first using the Wildfire Frame. The picture above shows the founder Russ Strobel being congratulated by Darts Australia President Kelvin James. Kelvin has been instrumental in Russ never giving up hope.
After approval Kelvin made the statement;
"Of all the things we can do in darts, this is the most worthy".
2007
The informative handbook Darter was created.
It included the article " Are Wheelchair Players Aiming Too High? "
2013
The first WDDA Assessment and Classifications was
brought into use. It has now become known as the Classic - Preserved Pathway. In the years following
the Compris - Inclusive Pathway was created for a wider range of disability inclusion.
2012
The Wildfire Dart Frame and lowered board height was approved by the World Darts Federation. WDDA was born.
2014
After several years of Winmau following and supporting the disability darts campaign they announced a partnership with WDDA.
Russ Strobel
Founder of disability darts
Est. 2013 text.
2014
First WDDA / Winmau World Championship held during the Winmau World Masters in Hull UK. Andy Fordham "The Viking" becomes Ambassador for WDDA and Disability Darts.
2014 - 2018
WDDA / Winmau World Championship held each year
as part of the Winmau World Masters in the UK.
WDDA Member countries grow to number over 25
2019
First WDDA World Cup / World Championship held in Belgium
2019
The WDDA divides the UK into individual countries
The WDDA becomes an independent "not for profit" business.
2021
The WDDA registers a CIC (Community Interest Company) branch in Scotland.
2021
Andy Fordham "The Viking" and WDDA Ambassador passes away at age 59 from organ failure.
2022
The PDC support disability darts on the world stage
