Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE National Darts Association of Zimbabwe is in consultation with the Zimbabwe National Youth Games organisers to have darts as one of the sport codes at the games beginning next year.
Ndaz president Meynard Moyo confirmed the development and said if granted, the move will see an increase in the interest for the sport from the youths as many have negative perceptions about the game. For long the sport of darts has been seen as an old people’s sport that can only be played in pubs.
“We have spoken to the guys (ZNYG organisers) informally but they seemed to buy the idea which is encouraging. We’ll engage them formally so that everything is done above board as we push for the recognition of darts at that level,” said Moyo, who recently led Team Zimbabwe Youth Darts squad to second spot at the Zone Six, Region 5 Darts Confederation 5th Youth Championships 2015 held at Windhoek Showgrounds in Namibia from August 24 to 27.
Moyo’s executive has over the last few years been on a massive campaign to squash misconceptions about the sport which many view as a sport for pub revellers.
The drive saw the banning of smoking during league or competition matches while plans are also underway to move away from holding matches in pubs so that young players can also take part in league matches.
The National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) endorsed the sport into their curriculum.
Ndaz is one of the few national sport associations that are properly run and with good support from the corporate world, Moyo’s executive has all the capabilities of raising the country’s flag high at regional and international competitions. Last year, the association was named the Sport Development of the Year winner at the Annual National Sports Awards.