Darts, a codified but inclusive discipline for the practitioners of this small village in Tarn-et-Garonne

Damien is one of around fifteen darts practitioners from the Monbéqui club (Tarn-et-Garonne) who are taking part in training on this Thursday evening in December 2024. The young man admits that it was by pure coincidence that he found this collective.

“I moved here in the summer and when I arrived I looked online for sports associations. I came across the darts club. I came first to see how it was going and, ultimately, I was immediately invited to play,” he explains.

Discovery by chance or between friends

He got into the game and, ultimately, now comes back every week. “I even saw, after moving, that I had a darts club next to my house in the Gers!”, he smiles.

It was also by chance that Stéphanie, the club secretary, started training seriously. “I started with friends as a hobby. And, in five years, I found myself playing in European championships! There is a physical dimension but also a mental dimension, with the concentration that practice requires”, she points.

A mixed practice

The good surprise for her is that in Monbéqui, the practice is mixed, even though it is basically a fairly male environment. “And in competition, we can find ourselves in female categories as well as in mixed teams. It's very inclusive. Even people with disabilities, particularly in wheelchairs, compete against us, even if there is an adaptation of the height of the target. For the rest, the rules are the same”, insists Stéphanie.

In addition to the classic game on a cork target, darts can also be played on an electronic target. “In this case, the competitions can be held remotely against anyone in France thanks to an Internet connection,” concludes Stéphanie.

In Monbéqui, both formats are available. But whatever the discipline, at La Mascotte, they are practiced in a friendly atmosphere.