Together, DDO X SIGNVIDEO BY SORENSON are ready to unleash Deaf talent on the global stage

Some partnerships are about visibility. Others are about convenience. But the best partnerships — the ones that truly leave a legacy — are about shared values, shared vision, and shared determination to change the world.

That’s why the new partnership between the Deaf Darts Organisation (DDO) and SignVideo by Sorenson feels like a match made in heaven.

Together, we are creating more than a sporting alliance. We are building a global platform for Deaf and hard-of-hearing players to thrive, to compete, and to inspire future generations.

The Legacy and Revival of Deaf Darts

The game of darts has a long and fascinating history, originating in England during the Medieval era, likely in the 14th century. Early players, often soldiers, would throw spears or arrowheads at upturned wine barrels or other makeshift targets. Over time, the game evolved into using smaller, pocket-sized darts, and the modern dartboard developed in English pubs and at fairgrounds, becoming a beloved social pastime.

For the Deaf community, darts became a club game tradition over the past 60–70 years. Played in local Deaf clubs and community halls, it was a social sport intertwined with gatherings, celebrations, and the camaraderie of Deaf culture. It featured in the British Deaf Indoor Games & British Deaf Sports Council (BDSC), providing players with local competition and a sense of community.

However, for decades, the sport remained largely hidden behind closed doors. Players rarely had the opportunity to compete on professional stages or gain international recognition. With the world of sport modernising — incorporating technology, livestreaming, and social media — Deaf darts risked fading into obscurity, overlooked by younger generations and wider audiences.

The Deaf Darts Organisation (DDO) is changing that narrative. By combining the rich tradition of Deaf darts with modern technology, global competitions, and social media promotion, DDO is giving Deaf players the profile and recognition they deserve. Through professional tournaments, livestreamed events, and international outreach, DDO is not only reviving a historic sport but also propelling it onto the global stage, inspiring the next generation of players and celebrating Deaf talent worldwide.

Deaf darts is no longer just a pastime — it is a growing, professional, and inclusive sport, ready to shine in the modern era. From the UK Open Championship to the upcoming World Championships in 2027, DDO is determined to showcase Deaf talent, raise standards, and prove that darts is truly a sport for all.

“Our mission is simple,” says Ryan Mitchell, President of DDO. “We want to create tournaments that give Deaf players the same opportunities as everyone else — to play professionally, to be seen globally, and to inspire the next generation. It’s not just about competition; it’s about visibility, equity, and pride. When Deaf athletes step onto that stage, they’re not only proving their skill, they’re showing the world what’s possible when barriers are removed. That’s the future we’re building toward.”

Why SignVideo by Sorenson?

When looking for the right partner to support this mission, one organisation stood out immediately: SignVideo by Sorenson.

SignVideo by Sorenson isn’t just another sponsor. They are the leaders in Video Relay Services (VRS) and interpreting solutions, providing vital communication access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Their ethos is simple yet powerful: accessibility is not a barrier — it’s the foundation of success.

https://signvideo.co.uk – Sign up!

This makes them the perfect partner for DDO.

Just as SignVideo has transformed how Deaf people connect in everyday life and work, DDO is transforming how Deaf players connect through sport. Both organisations are built for the Deaf community, by people who understand its challenges and ambitions. Both share a mission of empowerment, equality, and visibility.

“Partnering with SignVideo by Sorenson is about more than funding,” Ryan explains. “It’s about aligning with an organisation that understands our community, our challenges, and our ambitions. SignVideo shares our belief that Deaf athletes deserve the same stage, the same spotlight, and the same respect as anyone else. This partnership is built on trust and a shared vision — one that goes beyond today’s tournaments and looks toward a future where accessibility and opportunity are the norm, not the exception. Together, we can create something truly historic, something that will echo across generations.”

What This Partnership Means

With SignVideo by Sorenson as the headline partner, DDO can take Deaf darts to a completely new level. This partnership will:

• Deliver professional tournaments such as the UK Open Championship, the Grand Slam, and the World Championships, with proper staging and livestreaming.

• Expand global visibility by broadcasting matches online, allowing fans in more than 50 countries to watch Deaf darts live.

• Grow grassroots development, investing in Deaf coaches, youth training programs, and future tournaments in schools and communities.

• Showcase Deaf culture on stage, integrating British Sign Language (BSL), interpreters, and inclusive branding throughout every event.

This combination of professional excellence and cultural pride will not only benefit players but will also inspire Deaf fans worldwide.

The Partnership beyond vision

By 2027, DDO aims to:

• Establish the World Deaf Darts Championship as a flagship event on the sporting calendar.

• Expand into European tournaments, hosted across different nations.

• Develop a structured youth program, training Deaf coaches, creating safe environments (with DBS checks and safeguarding), and hosting youth tournaments to build the next generation of players.

• Build international collaborations with sporting bodies, ensuring Deaf darts is recognised, respected, and supported across the sporting world.

With SignVideo’s support, this ambitious vision is now within reach.

SignVideo by Sorenson – Global Reach

SignVideo by Sorenson is one of the leaders in Video Relay Services (VRS) and interpreting solutions, providing accessible communication for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Part of Sorenson, they are connected to a global network spanning the U.S., UK, Sweden and Germany,

By combining innovation with a deep understanding of Deaf culture, SignVideo delivers services that break down communication barriers, promote inclusion, and support global accessibility.

A Partnership Beyond Sport

What makes this partnership special is that it’s about more than darts. It’s about representation, equality, and legacy.

For many Deaf people, seeing themselves represented on a global stage is life-changing. Watching Deaf players compete with pride, seeing interpreters on stage, and knowing that their culture is at the heart of the tournament sends a powerful message: Deaf people belong on the biggest stage in world darts.

It also opens doors for future opportunities. By working with SignVideo, DDO can explore how livestreams, social media, and digital technology can make events more accessible than ever. From sign language-friendly commentary to interactive engagement online, Deaf darts will not only be seen but also experienced in new and exciting ways.

The Bullseye

At its core, the DDO x SignVideo by Sorenson partnership is about belief — belief that Deaf players deserve equal opportunities to compete, to be seen, and to succeed. It’s a belief that goes beyond the game itself, reaching into the heart of what sport can mean for a community: recognition, empowerment, and pride.

It’s about hitting the bullseye: not just with darts, but with accessibility, representation, and excellence. Every match, every tournament, every player stepping up to the line is a statement — that Deaf athletes belong on the global stage and that their stories matter.

Together, DDO and SignVideo by Sorenson are building more than tournaments. We are building a movement. A movement rooted in ambition and carried by passion — one that will inspire, empower, and forever change the way the world sees Deaf darts.

This is a partnership forged in shared values and vision — a partnership that speaks to possibility. It’s for the Deaf community, for the Deaf darting world, and for the generations yet to come.

And make no mistake: from this moment forward, all of our tournaments are powered by SignVideo by Sorenson. Their support marks a new chapter in our journey — one filled with opportunity, accessibility, and pride.

This is only the beginning.