WDF World Cup 2013

Thorn's 2013 World Cup, Part 4
The opening ceremonies of the WDF World Cup is one of the greatest moments in darts you'll ever see. Nothing comes closer to an Olympic feeling. In 2013, thirty countries made the journey, and every player on every team was beaming with pride to wear their national colors and represent their home nations.

For some, it's a once in a lifetime chance to participate and play some of the best in the world. They work hard to qualify for their national teams, many have to work hard to save money to pay for their trips, and they come knowing they have a slim chance to win against some of the stronger countries. But, the opportunity alone, the global atmosphere, and new darting friends from faraway places are will worth the effort.

For others, it's their first visit, hopefully one of many, finally making their national team after years of effort. These players usually come from stronger darting nations, and once they get a taste, they all vow never to miss another one. They too love the opportunity to play not just the best nations, but the rest of the teams too, making new connections with equally passionate international players.
Finally, there are those that have participated in multiple World Cups. They know better than everyone what a thrill it is to be here again. The games, the friends, and the fabulous feeling of trying to bring home the towering trophies.
Their excitement is palpable during the opening ceremony, as all the teams line up or wait their turn to carry their flags and their country with them across the stage.

Along with a crowd of Newfoundland fans, I sat up front, with Bianca and Kathy, the lovely wives of Richard Ashdown and Jacques Nieuwlaat, the head officals and emcees. I had my camera ready, watching the live stream, ready to catch every teams proud moment. The music started as Jacques, the multi-lingual mastercaller, introduced each team and player with all due fanfare and excitement. Every team--Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, United States, Wales--all received thunderous applause, each team lead in by a local St. John's youth player.

And the youth players-not just the local kids having the honor to participate and walk on teams during the opening ceremonies, but also the youth players playing for the national teams-are probably the most important of all. We all know the sport will grow because of the young people that fall in love with darts, and feel the thrill of competition and the connecting power of sportsmanship.

Of course, the host nation, Canada, came last, and got the greatest reception of all. The provincial and national anthems were sung. A gorgeous black Newfoundland dog and a band of bagpipes joined the procession. And, as if it were possible, the smiles on Team Canada were just a little bigger and brighter than the rest.

So was mine.

My only regret was that Uganda, who was scheduled to attend, was unable to be there with us.

Over and double out.










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