AGM 2025 - President's Report

Another year has come and gone in our sport here on PEI. These past twelve months have been filled with both successes and challenges but most importantly, people continue to play and support darts on PEI. There is much that happens in the dart community that most do not get to see or experience. These Executive Board positions can be tough, yet very rewarding. What I have noticed most this year was the unwavering support between provinces and provincial boards, specifically in the Maritimes. Each person that volunteers for these positions pours their heart and soul into it.

The success of the sport in other provinces is our collective success, and we all benefit from it. The challenges faced by other provinces becomes an opportunity to help or at the very least is a learning experience for all. Our neighbours have been our greatest cheerleaders, and us to them. On a personal note, for about 16 months now, I have physically been unable to play darts, except for one qualifier, which turned out to be a poor decision. But my absence from the oche has given me the opportunity to step back and see things from a different perspective, like these Provincial relationships being fostered and developed. Darts is strong in Canada and the East Coast is a very tight circle of support. I would encourage anyone to experience that in some way, either as a player on the circuit or as a board member.

Again this past year, PEI was successful in sending both youth and adult teams to Nationals in Quebec. This does not happen without so many factors. First, we need players to tryout. I was so happy to see new, young faces at the qualifiers this year. Secondly, we need youth coaches and organizers for both youth and adult teams. Your dedication and commitment to making this a success does not go unnoticed and we as a Board are forever grateful for it. We also cannot survive without fundraising efforts. When we need to raise money, the dart community makes the magic happen. Thank you all for your contributions. Last weekend was our Red Rock Open. Once again, this event was a massive success. They say if you build it, they will come. They did come out to play, again in massive numbers. This event continues to be the flagship event for the PEIDA and is one of the hottest tickets in the Maritimes annually. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the volunteers that helped us make this event such a success. Look out for this spring when the debut of the East Coast Open rocks the Rodd in Charlottetown. The growth and success of darts on PEI shows no signs of slowing down.

I have been fortunate to be in this President’s role for the last six years. I have seen so much growth and success with our board and our sport. The work we have done has been important and rewarding. I remember all those years ago at our first AGM when a group of members first elected us to rebuild the sport and run with the torch so to speak. At that meeting, I remember commenting that above all else, we vowed to be transparent and work for the members in all that we do. I believe we have been and continue to do just that.

That said, change is upon us. This past week, during preparation for today’s AGM, I informed the Board, that I would not be re-offering today for the position of President of the PEIDA. This decision did not come easily for me because I love what we do here and how we do it. This decision is a personal one. I would like to say that I appreciate the respect for my decision that I was given from my fellow board members. The people I have served with on this board, both past and present, are like family to me. That will not ever change. The people behind this table with me are champions of their role. There love of darts is second to none and I take comfort in knowing they will continue to lead and grow our game. I would like to think that I was able to contribute positively to our cause over the past six years, through both the ups and downs. It’s not all easy, but it’s worth it.

In this moment, There are a few people I would like to thank. First and foremost, I would like to thank my partner in life, my wife, Dawn. Her unwavering support for me in this role is invaluable. She pushed me to be the best in this role as I could be. In the face of adversity this past year, she supported me in my decisions and understands how not being able to throw a dart has affected me. She also is there to help me celebrate so many successes inside and outside of darts. She knows what lies ahead for me professionally, in my workplace, and she continues to encourage me to do what I love and love what I do.

I would like to thank the members for their continued support, year over year. You continued to put your trust in me and support our cause and provided me that opportunity through multiple consecutive terms. You were not afraid to ask tough questions along the way and I can appreciate that. You love the sport as much as we do. Finally I would like thank the Executive Board both past and present. You’ve always had my back and have always heard my voice. I never felt like I couldn’t be heard. You provided me personally with an environment to feel comfortable to challenge a situation or idea and respected my opinions. I wish you all so much continued success in your roles and as a team and I am proud of each of you.

Today, hopefully, through elections, there will be a successor in my role. To that person, I want to say, first, thank you for stepping forward. Secondly, I am available to you if you have any questions that I may be able to help you with. Finally, you will have just joined an amazing team of individuals. These people care and these people will welcome you and are willing to help you in any way they can. Buckle up for a fun ride. The VP Operations role is also a vacant one. This board is most effective when the roles are filled and the maximum set of skills can be deployed. If you are sitting here today, contemplating putting your name forward, please do not hesitate. It is a great chance to help grow our game and do not feel like it may be too overwhelming. Take a chance on yourself, and on us. To those of you that are re-offering today, thank you as well. Continue your great work and know that I support you in your roles as always, just in a different capacity as a PEIDA member.

I will continue to support the PEIDA and volunteer as much as my schedule permits. Thank you all for an amazing run and show of support.

Stephen Clow