TorontoSun.com - Bill Lankhof - The Last Word... WSoD

TorontoSun.com - Bill Lankhof - The Last Word... WSoD: "But the World Series of Darts? What’s next ESPN? The all-America marble shootout? Sports TV is so desperate for programming that if it sweats, it’s a sport. But it’s getting goofy when the head of the Olympic movement thinks ballroom dancing is a sport. Lets see: Breathing hard + seductive movements = a sport. Paris Hilton and Desperate Housewives just became co-favourites to win SI’s athlete of the year."

Dear Mr. Lankhof,

First off let me say thanks for even mentioning the sport of darts in your article! However in regards to your quote you have hit the definition dead on:
"But the World Series of Darts? What’s next ESPN? ... Sports TV is so desperate for programming that if it sweats, it’s a sport."

sport n. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sport

1.
1. Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.
2. A particular form of this activity.
2. An activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively.
3. An active pastime; recreation.


Well to explain it a bit more I will say that most people see darts as a game in which you get together with a few friends, have some beers and throw pointy objects at a round board. I say that's all well and good, but when you look at the sport of darts as it is played at it's top international levels you will find that the level of skill and exertion required is considerable and very difficult to attain. If performances demonstrated by the top starts of darts were just luck or something that 99% of the people of the world could do with little effort then I would agree that darts is a sport not worth being on TV. A better explanation of "Why Televise Darts?" can be found on the website of Dave Depriest "World Series of Darts" qualifier on his website at: http://www.davedepriest.com/world_series_of_darts.htm

Please take some time and try your hand at this sport with folks that are really good at it and you will see the skill and passion that transfers well to TV. Consider contacting:Queen Street Dart League at http://www.qsdl.net/ or The Metro Toronto Area Dart League at : http://www.mtadl.com/