2025 President's Report
The past twelve months for the PEI Darts Association have been ones of growth and success. As an association we have continued to build on past experiences and have pushed to be bigger and better as an organization. I am proud to say that as a board, we have always been open to feedback and made decisions that are in the best interest of our players and members. The road to solutions can sometimes be a bumpy one, but in the end, our intention has always been to build our sport in PEI and become a respected and recognized component both regionally and nationally. I believe we have arrived!
In charting this course, we have enjoyed success but we have also been humbled by learning experiences and have always had open minds with complete transparency in our decision making processes. For nearly six years in serving on this board I can say that every single decision made had put dart players first, which I believe is the most important factor of accepting and elected position.
One of the changes we have seen has been the introduction of “dart season” on PEI. Having our Provincial Qualifiers and the majority of fundraising tournaments set up between January and March has allowed players to enjoy consistency and the ability to prepare. It has also provided much needed scheduled times for fundraising events prior to our participation in the national events for both youth and adults. Fundraising continues all year long as well and our overall success depends on it.
This past May and June PEI again sent youth and adult teams to Nationals in Quebec. Five years ago, this seemed like only a pipe dream. Now it’s a reality that no one should ever take for granted. Players have shown up in numbers for their chance to get to the show and it is very satisfying to see that growth and interest. At the risk of sounding negative, having great players stay home and not make our teams is not a bad problem to have. Although I feel for those players, it really shows the depth in talent we are starting to see on our small island.
Let’s talk about the Red Rock Open. What a tremendous success! Our first was held in October 2023, shortly after our last AGM. We were blown away by the numbers of participants. Well over 200 registered players over the weekend. The event put us back on the map. There were some who said we could never do it. Well I am happy to say we have proved them wrong. The success of that tournament did not come without challenges though. Anyone who attended would know that we needed to work through issues with the venue and security. Also, we had a lot of player feedback, which we welcomed, and as a result, met with stakeholders in an effort to improve the event in the future.
Well, the players have spoken, and we listened. We are coming off the heels of our second Red Rock Open last weekend and it was a resounding success! Again, record numbers and again, a tournament putting PEIDA on the map nationally. Feedback is always welcomed and encouraged.
I would like to take a moment to recognize two groups of people. First, I want to recognize the youth coaches and parents. Without you taking the time to encourage, teach and mentor, our youth program would not be possible. Your dedication has a direct and profound impact on the future of our sport. Thank you!
Secondly, I want to recognize our volunteers. Most are members but some are not. Events like our qualifiers and open simply do not happen with any type of success without you. From those who help set up and tear down, to those who help with fundraising, to those who just selflessly drop everything to chip in wherever needed. Our organization depends on your involvement. Thank you all.
In summary, I just want to say that our association has grown leaps and bounds in the past 5-6 years. I remember hard times where a certain group of people started chipping in personal funds to pay for our startup, to times where we weren’t sure we could afford to buy a package of screws. I remember the setback that was COVID that affected us all in many ways. This association has now become self sufficient through hard work and fundraising. We will eventually get to a place where we can afford to send our national teams to Quebec at no cost to players. We will get there. We have invested in the infrastructure and technology to make us relevant on the national stage. We are well on our way to becoming THE event in Atlantic Canada with our Red Rock Open. No matter who sits at this table in any position in the years ahead through our election processes, I can comfortably say that the foundation has been built so that years of success can happen. Each board member brings so much to this table and that in of itself, will ensure long term success.
Good Luck to everyone in the 2025 season and thank you for your unwavering support.