Our mission

FROM VISION
TO VICTORY.

Deaf-led, player-first and built to prove that accessibility and sporting excellence belong on the same stage.

Deaf Darts Organisation players and team

Why DDO exists

A PLACE WHERE DEAF TALENT THRIVES.

In 2024, five passionate Deaf darts enthusiasts came together with a shared goal: create an inclusive, competitive platform where Deaf and hard-of-hearing players could participate fully, connect with their community and be recognised for their ability.

DDO now brings players and supporters together through nationwide tournaments, transparent rankings and accessible communication. We are building more than events—we are building visibility, belonging and a pathway for the next generation.

“Make the oche a place where Deaf talent thrives and the world takes notice.”
DEAF-LEDACCESSIBLECOMPETITIVECONNECTEDAMBITIOUS
Our purpose

BREAK BARRIERS.
RAISE STANDARDS.
GROW TOGETHER.

01

Access without compromise

Clear visual information, Deaf-aware delivery and communication designed around the people in the room.

02

A stage for excellence

Professional competition, meaningful rankings and opportunities for players at every stage of their journey.

03

A stronger community

Players, families, fans, volunteers and partners united by pride in Deaf sport.

Our team

THE PEOPLE
BEHIND DDO.

Ryan MitchellFounder - President

Ryan Mitchell

Helping lead DDO’s vision, governance and long-term growth.

Scott GarthwaiteVice-President - Social Media

Scott Garthwaite

Building DDO’s public voice, digital reach and connection with the Deaf darts community.

James MeyersCo-Founder

James Meyers

Supporting the organisation’s foundations and competitive community.

Max PattonDDO Treasurer - Rankings Officer

Max Patton

Treasurer, Head of Tournaments and Rankings Officer, overseeing the organisation’s finances, tournament delivery and a fair, transparent ranking system for all players.

Alan DouglassDDO Secretary - Head of Tournaments

Alan Douglass

Managing DDO’s administration and official records while leading the planning and delivery of fair, professional tournaments.

Mark GoodmanFundraising Officer - Event Coordinator

Mark Goodman

Developing fundraising opportunities and supporting the committee in securing resources for DDO’s events, players and future growth.

Dale CossonEvent Coordinator

Dale Cosson

Supporting the planning and delivery of DDO events, helping create an organised, accessible and welcoming experience for players and supporters.

Cameron CockerillEvent Coordinator

Cameron Cockerill

Helping coordinate DDO events and ensuring competitions run smoothly, professionally and accessibly from preparation through to completion.

Samuel KellyNorth West Lead - Event Coordinator

Samuel Kelly

Representing DDO across the North West while supporting regional engagement, player development and the successful delivery of events.

Susan BarryWoman's Liaison - Head of Woman Tournament

Susan Barry

Representing women players and leading the development and delivery of inclusive, competitive women’s tournaments within DDO.

Terry PeacockWoman's Liaison - Head of Woman Tournament

Terry Peacock

Supporting women players and helping lead the continued growth, organisation and visibility of women’s darts across DDO.

Our journey

THE STORY
SO FAR.

Swipe, drag, use Shift + mouse wheel, or use the arrow keys to explore.

November 2024

DDO IS BORN

Five Deaf darts enthusiasts come together with one shared vision: create a new platform where Deaf and hard-of-hearing darts players can compete, connect and be recognised.

January 2025

DDO BUILDS ITS FOUNDATIONS

DDO publishes its first official competition framework, establishing consistent rules, standards and procedures for its growing programme of Deaf darts events.

July 2025

THE FIRST GRAND SLAM

DDO hosts its first major competition at The Cue Club in Wigston, Leicester. 96 players and 68 supporters attend — the first major step in turning DDO from an idea into an established competition.

August 2025

DDO RANKINGS INTRODUCED

The DDO ranking system begins creating a competitive pathway where players earn points through results, with rankings supporting seedings, qualification and player progression.

August 2025

RECORD DEMAND

Registration for the 2026 Grand Slam opens, and all 64 original men’s places sell out within just 48 hours—compared with almost a month the previous year. Ladies’ registration remains open as interest continues to grow.

October 2025

A LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP

DDO announces SignVideo by Sorenson as its headline partner, supporting professional tournaments, accessible livestreaming and the organisation’s ambition to take Deaf darts to a global audience.

March 2026

UK OPEN DEAF DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP

DDO brings the UK Open to Bradmoor Farm, Buckinghamshire. Peter Wood becomes Men’s Champion and Dalia Kuprinskiene takes the Ladies title.

March 2026

DDO REACHES THE WORLD

Players travel from across Europe and as far as Canada to compete in the UK Open, demonstrating DDO’s growing international reach and establishing its events beyond the UK.

March 2026

DEAF DARTS MAKES BROADCASTING HISTORY

DDO becomes the first deaf dart organisation to livestream Deaf darts semi-finals and finals worldwide. Supported by SignVideo, the UK Open broadcast brings elite Deaf darts to audiences beyond the venue.

July 2026

THE GRAND SLAM GETS BIGGER

DDO returns to The Cue Club for its biggest Grand Slam yet. Exceptional demand leads to the competition expanding from 96 to 120 player places—80 men and 40 ladies. Andrew Hopwood becomes Men’s Champion, while Dalia Kuprinskiene wins the Ladies Grand Slam.

July 2026

NEW RECORDS ON THE OCHE

The 2026 Grand Slam delivers DDO’s strongest competitive statistics so far, including a 79.98 highest average by Ian Mckenzie, 14 maximums and a 122 checkout by Brian Bell.

July 2026

DDO ANNOUNCES NEXTGEN

DDO announces the first NextGen Youth Deaf Darts Championship for 2027, creating a pathway for young Deaf players to discover competitive darts and progress towards future senior DDO competition.

August 2026

THE WORLD’S MOST-FOLLOWED DEAF DARTS PAGE

DDO reaches 1,350 Facebook followers, becoming the most-followed dedicated Deaf darts page worldwide. The milestone reflects the strength of its growing international community and DDO’s expanding global reach.