Samuda issues challenge to Darts Association

The 41-year-old Jamaica Darts Association (JDA) was challenged to take the sport to the nook and cranny of Jamaica.

This challenge was given by Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association, as he delivered the main Address at the association’s awards function, held at Rock Wharf in Trelawny on December 28, 2019.

“You have a sport which has values of discipline and integrity. Take it to the young people and have them include it in their menu of sports,” Samuda said.

Samuda told President Winston Ferguson that he has an opportunity to keep Brand Jamaica on the lips of the world’s people.

“The Bolt era is gone, but here is your chance to keep the brand alive. Darts is not yet an Olympic sport, but we at the apex of sports here in Jamaica would not be adverse to advocating to have it become one. Tonight I challenge you to organise a competition among the schools. Remember, sports is nation-building. It brings communities together. What better place to start than among youngsters. You can further build your legacy,” Samuda added.

Among the awardees was Tavarri Downie the top youth player who is a grade 10-student at Irwin High School.

“I started playing two years ago. It helped in my application in mathematics and developed my power of concentration. In the association, I feel like I am a part of a family. There are several persons who act as mentors for me. I love the game and plan to take it as far as possible,” Downie told The Gleaner.

Colin Charvoli, tournament director at JDA, says he will be taking up the challenge from Samuda.

“I have been in darts for 36 years. I started as a schoolboy, so I know of its value to youngsters. It will become part of my mandate to have the sport more widely played in schools,” said Charvoli.