Two of the world’s leading para darts players have helped showcase a new accessible Arrowsmiths darts setup at O’Neill’s New Street in Birmingham, designed to allow wheelchair users and standing players to enjoy interactive darts together.
Vincent “Vinnie” D’Hondt, WPD World Champion and World Masters Champion in wheelchair darts, was joined by World ParaDarts World No.1 Steve North for a special event at the city centre venue on Wednesday 3 September.
The pair took on members of the public in competitive games of 501, demonstrated the new accessible setup and spoke about the importance of making darts more inclusive and accessible.
The Arrowsmiths oche at O’Neill’s New Street features two dartboards side by side, with one mounted at the traditional height and a second lowered to the appropriate specification for wheelchair players.
The setup means wheelchair users and standing players can compete and socialise together as part of the same interactive darts experience, rather than using separate facilities.
It is believed to be the first fully accessible Arrowsmiths oche of its kind in Birmingham and forms part of the recent £1 million transformation of O’Neill’s New Street.
Vincent “Vinnie” D’Hondt said:
“It’s such a simple idea, but it makes a huge difference. With a higher board and a lower board side-by-side, someone like me in a wheelchair can play against my able-bodied friends, and nobody has a disadvantage. That’s what makes this setup so good.”
D’Hondt described the facility as “10 out of 10” and said making accessible darts available in mainstream pubs and social venues was important for encouraging more disabled people to try the sport.
Steve North said:
“Accessibility is so important because it opens darts up to more people. Someone in a wheelchair might walk into a venue, see an accessible set-up like this and be inspired to pick up a dart for the first time.
“Most importantly, it means wheelchair players and standing players can play together and enjoy the game together.
“The interactive games also offer a completely different way to learn and practise darts. Rather than just playing a traditional game of 501, you can develop your skills through different challenges, practise hitting different numbers and have fun while you’re doing it. For someone who’s never played before, it makes darts really accessible and enjoyable.”
The showcase also allowed visitors to learn more about para darts and see first-hand how accessible interactive darts can enable disabled and non-disabled players to compete together.
D’Hondt, who has played wheelchair darts since 2015, is a seven-time world champion and is currently WPD World Champion, WPD World Masters Champion, G Darts Belgium National Champion and WPD World No.1 in wheelchair darts.
North is currently World ParaDarts World No.1 for the third consecutive season and has held the number one ranking four times in the past five years.
The accessible Arrowsmiths installation is part of the wider redevelopment of O’Neill’s New Street, which recently underwent an investment of more than £1 million, including the restoration and reopening of the venue’s second floor.
The venue now features four Arrowsmiths interactive dart boards alongside live sport, live music, food and drink.
- O’Neill’s New Street is located at 33 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EE.
- The venue recently underwent an investment of more than £1 million, including the restoration and reopening of its second floor.
- O’Neill’s New Street offers live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday alongside live sport, food, drinks and four Arrowsmiths digital dart boards.
- The accessible Arrowsmiths setup includes side-by-side dartboards at different heights, allowing wheelchair and standing players to use the facility together.
Vincent “Vinnie” D’Hondt’s current titles include:
* WPD World Champion – Wheelchair
* WPD World Masters Champion – Wheelchair
* G Darts Belgium National Champion
* WPD World No.1 – Wheelchair
* Seven-time world champion
Steve North current titles include:
* World ParaDarts World No.1 for the third consecutive season
* World No.1 four times in the past five years