Wee County trio to represent Scotland at darts tournament

Margaret Ferguson, Lindsay Turner and Jane Carpenter are gearing up to fly out to Cyprus for the World Disability Darts Association's (WDDA) European Cup and World Singles Championships.

The Clacks trio are part of a 10-strong group of ladies and gents from the central region, with some players also set to play in the WDDA Matchplay Singles in Thornaby this June.

They came together at the weekend in the Cairn in Alva for a fundraising open tournament, netting funds for travel costs while enjoying the sport.

The three ladies, along with the men also travelling to Cyprus, have been consistently notching up their scores at ranking tournaments in the area, all while raising the profile of the sport.

Jane, who had helped set up Disability Darts Scotland's Central Area, told the Advertiser: “I'm really excited, it's a once in a lifetime chance.

“Ranking tournaments are being held throughout the year, you've got to play well to be selected.

“We are all excited, we are all pleased that we are going and have been selected to represent Scotland.”

Jane used to play in the local leagues and explained how the sport is not played any differently for disabled people, save for the fact that the board can be lowered on the wall to accommodate wheelchair users.

“We cater for everybody,” said Jane, who explained anyone can get involved and join the ranking tournaments if they claim the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which replaced the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

The tournament at the Cairn, held on Saturday May 28, was hailed a success and Jane said: “There's 10 of us from the central area going out to Cyprus – we've got the most players out of all the regions.”

Indeed, darts is going strong in Clacks, as Jane added: "We are the smallest area at the moment and we've got the most players going."

Anyone looking to join in with disability darts can contact Jane on 07488337155 or find Disability Darts Scotland Central Area on Facebook.