Well that’s another Australian Championships over and after a good nights sleep in my own bed it’s time to reflect and thank a few people.
In every way these championships, hosted by Darts Queensland was a huge success. The venue, Birkdale Sports Club was excellent, the staff catered for our every need, and nothing was too much trouble. The Queensland volunteers were absolutely delightful, too many to mention but thank you all I really do appreciate your efforts and welcome.
A special mention to Graeme and Iris, this wonderful couple have devoted so many years to our sport that no accolade is too big, from a personal perspective, Graeme thank you my friend for the past five years when I knew you had total control as floor manager and took a weight of worry off my mind. It’s a great feeling knowing that the playing arena for the players is always going to be as good as it can be when you’re on the floor so thank you my friend.
A big thank you to Sharon Miller, the original Mrs Fixit with an amazing can-do attitude, if this lady tells you, it can’t be done believe me, it really can’t be done!!
To Colin Apps, Ross Lewis and crew of the Birkdale Sports Club, thank you for being the main partner to Darts Queensland and for your efforts in contributing to a fantastic nine days.
A huge thank you to Kerry Crowdey and the Darts Queensland Board and members, coming into the Championships I had every confidence that this would be a successful championship and you delivered in spades so thank you for not only delivering but also for the cooperative approach and willingness to step in and assist when required.
Our thanks must also be given to the Redlands City Council for their continued support of the sport, Darts Queensland and the Birkdale Sports Club.
This year we partnered with Ben Hunter & Declan Bailey the lads behind DartStream LIVE who live-streamed the whole of the event and the presentation evening and did a fantastic job, well done chaps it was a pleasure to work with you
To the Captains, Managers and the most important people of all, the Players. I feel very privileged to be able to walk into the playing room and see you all enjoying the sport, the atmosphere you created was nothing short of amazing, a venue full of smiling faces (with a short interlude when you went into battle) but always respectful to your opponents, it really is what sport is all about so thank you all I am indebted to you for all and all while delivering top class darts on the board.
To the scorers, match referees who this year are too many to mention, a big thank you. Your contribution has not gone unnoticed. To those that are not aware we don’t have an official MC, scorers or match referee so we rely on the goodwill of our players, captains and managers to fill the void and this year in particular they once again jumped to our aid so thank you
A huge thank you to Kerry Crowdey and Mark Edwards for assisting in commentary on finals day which eased the load tremendously on myself.
My appreciation must also go to my fellow directors Audrey Mullen, Mark Edwards, Anne Day, Judy Taylor, & the irrepressible Greg Taylor for their hard work during the championships and to Rick Plimmer & Judith Hunt for thier efforts during the year when we, as a board, graft away in the background on your behalf.
As always, a massive thank you to our equipment sponsor, who this year for the first time couldn’t be with us at the championships Eagle Sports & One80. Your continued support is appreciated.
And lastly to the Mrs, she who must be obeyed, the managing director of war & finance, my better half Debra who really is my driving force and makes sure I have what I need and I’m where I’m supposed to be… I could not do what I do without you supporting me!!
And now, I’m awarding myself a day off to watch the darts.
Thanks all
Kelvin James
Darts Australia President