Services to Disability Darts
An award presented to people who have tirelessly worked in Disability darts over the years and are the unsung heroes behind the scenes in their own countries and internationally.
Without these peoples work, disability darts, World ParaDarts and their tournaments would not have taken place or developed to where we are today.
These awards are given out by the World ParaDarts Executives with the thanks of all the players for everything they do.
Awarded at the World ParaDarts Winmau World Trophy 2022
Marijke Zomer of the Netherlands
Marijke has worked tirelessly in the Netherland, for over 7 years, with disability darts, before we were set up.
Her experience and knowledge were invaluable to World ParaDarts when they set up, and still is as our Tournament Director.
She has guided and supported the Dutch disability players for years and she now uses her experience to help players and officials all over the world.
The hours she has given in all darts has made her a true inspiration to other volunteers and a deserved recipient of the award.
Thierry Gellinck from Belgium
Thierry embraced disability darts back in 2014 when he founded G-Darts Belgium. Thierry soon became a source of help and support both in Belgium and internationally, as disability darts developed and was a founding executive of the World ParaDarts when it was set up in 2020.
He was the main force of the World Cup held in 2019 and then the World Trophy in 2022, both in Oostende, Belgium.
Without Thierry World ParaDarts would not have been founded and our previous World Cups would not have happen a worthy winner of the award.
Ricky Chilton of Wales
Ricky Chilton was the first ever disabled player winning the Masters in Hull in 2013 in his wheelchair. He became an instant inspiration for disabled players and an Ambassador for the Sport.
During the next few years he was instrumental in setting up the British Disability darts Association. Being their equipment's officer, Tournament Director, Van driver and set up man, even the manufacturer of some of the equipment.
He imparted his wealth of knowledge to volunteers to run the Association.
He was the inspiration for the set up of G-Darts Belgium and then for the forming of World ParaDarts.
Most importantly he was the personal inspiration to Sarah Smale in the development of disability darts and her rock behind the scenes when need.
A truly worthy recipient of the award
Vinnie D'Hondt from Belgium
Vinnie won the 2nd ever ParaDarts Masters in 2014, having watched it the previous year and thinking I can do this.
With Thierry he helped found the G-Darts Belgium and he helped and supported players in Belgium to start playing.
He also was a great assistance in spotting European players across different countries and getting them involved in disability darts internationally and to form similar country organisations across Europe.
He has been an inspiration to players and an ambassador for World ParaDarts. A deserved winner of the award.
Arie van der Rassel from Netherlands
1965-2024
World ParaDarts honoured Arie with the award for "Services to Disability Darts".
Arie started playing in international tournaments in 2018, he soon
became an ambassador for disability darts both in Netherlands and across the world.
With his love of darts and people he soon became friends and a mentor to other players and one of the players to beat.
A true inspiration to all.
His wife Brenda van der Rassel accepted the award, our love goes out to her and all the family.
Stephen Maphike from South Africa
World ParaDarts is delighted to have awarded Stephen Maphike with the award for "Services to Disability Darts".
Over the last 4 years Stephen has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to establish disability darts in South Africa. He has also reached out to other countries on the Africa continent to help them set up.
Thank you Stephen for all you do for the players
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