ORGANIZATION
Incorporated 1975
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ORGANIZATION Incorporated 1975 |
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The tragic events in the U.S. last week left darts players-like other Americans-shocked and saddened. It has taken a week for many of us to absorb the enormity of the crime and its repercussions, some of which we may not know for a long time. As a result, the American Darts Organization Board of Directors and the World Cup team members needed to reflect on what was best for the players, their families, the ADO and other participants under circumstances we have not faced in our lifetimes.
The ADO women's team (and men's team manager) were close to the devastation and decided last weekend they could not in good conscience travel anywhere overseas at this time. As of 9:30 Pacific Daylight Time this morning, September 18, the men's team will pull out of the competition as well, for the same reasons.
The concerns are not about Malaysia itself; instead, the primary concerns are twofold. Neither the ADO nor the team members want to face the prospect of a U.S. team being stranded outside the U.S. if war starts while they are away. Secondly, the presence of a U.S. team in any sports competition at this time could endanger other participants, since the terrorist actions were directed at Americans, not at other countries.
The ADO believes that every country-and every member of every team-should make the decision to participate on their own without undue influence from the U.S. or anyone else. We do not have the desire or the right to suggest a course of action to any other country. We do believe participation in the World Darts Federation encourages international understanding that we can only wish would carry over to the political arena.
Our players were very excited about this trip and had special souvenirs and other things planned for their visit. All of them would prefer to compete. This is the first time in the history of darts in our country that a team will not be present for either the men's or women's World Cup. That is a sad thing, but not nearly as sad as what has happened here in the past week.
If there is a silver lining, it is that this incident has united our people like nothing I've seen in my 50+ years. We appreciate the expressions of support and condolences we have received from other WDF countries and wish all of you well in the competition. The Malaysian Darts Federation has worked long and hard to make this event a success and we are sorry that we will miss it. But the world situation today is out of our hands. Should world events occur between now and next week that would lead to the postponement of World Cup, the ADO will commit to sending a team on the alternate date and would support keeping the event in Malaysia.
If we can ask one thing of the rest of you during your time together, it would be that you join all of us here in our fervent wish for less turbulent times and for better world understanding.Sandi Cain
President
American Darts Organization