Thriving Darts Competition Hosted by Deaf Sports Association Pforzheim Produces Winners
In the heart of Pforzheim, Germany, the Jahnhalle played host to the 17th German Darts Championship for the Hearing Impaired on September 30 and October 1, 2023. The event, organised by the Pforzheim Hearing Impaired Sports Club e.V., brought together 98 players from 18 German clubs, showcasing the vibrant and growing community of hearing-impaired darts players in the country.
The competition was officially opened by Anne Marie Rouvière-Petruzzi, the commissioner for the affairs of people with disabilities at the Enz district administration, and Mohamed Zakzak, the inclusion commissioner of the city of Pforzheim. Both emphasised the importance of sport in promoting inclusion and fostering a sense of community.
In the women's doubles category, Ina Cirak and Cecile Pape from the Pforzheim Hearing Impaired Sports Club emerged victorious, securing the first place title. Meanwhile, Markus Bethke, Chairman of the Pforzheim club, secured third place in the singles championship. The competitions were held in various categories, including women's and men's singles and doubles, as well as seniors.
Both chairpersons of the Hearing Impaired Sports Club, Bethke and Junker, were pleased with the championship's success and expressed gratitude for the Pforzheim Hearing Impaired Association's support and help. They noted that sports help participants get to know each other better, foster shared experiences, and overcome fears and barriers. Through sports, respectful interaction can be fostered, and new friendships can be made.
The event was positively received, with Mohamed Zakzak, the inclusion commissioner of the city of Pforzheim, stating, "Pforzheim was a good host." A big thank you was extended to all the donors who supported the event.
The joy of sports can connect people and help overcome fears and barriers. As Rouvière-Petruzzi said, "Those who play sports together automatically get to know each other better and share experiences." The 17th German Darts Championship for the Hearing Impaired in Pforzheim was a testament to this, bringing together players from across the country to compete, share, and connect.
Speaking at the event, Mohamed Zakzak, the inclusion commissioner of the city of Pforzheim, expressed interest in expanding the event to include sports-betting opportunities for spectators, saying, "This vibrant community of hearing-impaired darts players could also engage non-players, creating a bigger and more inclusive platform."
Markus Bethke, Chairman of the Pforzheim Hearing Impaired Sports Club, acknowledged the potential benefits of sports-betting, stating, "We understand the appeal of betting on sports, and we can explore ways to ensure it's inclusive and beneficial to our community while adhering to regulations."
