PDC again backing LGBT inclusion in sport initiative; "darts is fast becoming a sport for everyone," says referee and Stonewall Sport Champion Huw Ware
Sunday 24 November 2019 16:05, UK
Peter Wright's mohawk often brightens up the oche, but this weekend he went full rainbow at the Players Championship Finals.
The world number seven turned his hair into a visible show of support for Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign as he competed at the tournament in Minehead.
The PDC are backing the initiative for LGBT inclusion in sport for the second consecutive year. This time, referee Huw Ware is taking part having also been named a Stonewall Sport Champion.
Ware says he is "thrilled" to see the PDC involved again, telling their official website: "The support of the darts community to last year's campaign was unprecedented, and it highlights that darts is fast becoming a sport for everybody regardless of their sexuality.
"I'm also honoured to be one of Stonewall's Sport Champions for the next 12 months, and look forward to working with the Champions and Stonewall on a broader sporting basis."
PDC chief executive Matthew Porter added: "Our support of Rainbow Laces in 2018 was well-received and it's great that we can be involved again this year with an important campaign.
"Darts has been recognised worldwide for its inclusivity as a sport and we fully support Stonewall's mantra that sport is open to everybody."
Wright's luck was out on the night, however, in his first-round match against James Wilson. Despite holding a 5-3 lead, he failed to put away match darts and allowed his opponent from Huddersfield to take the deciding leg.
The annual activation of Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign - which is supported by Sky Sports - is under way now and runs into the first week of December.
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