The Sylvan Lake Youth Dart Club is moved to a new location.
Before moving to the Sylvan Lake Legion's basement, the club used the Legion's public boards. Unfortunately, club coordinator Mauri Christmas said this meant the group had been bumped several times to accommodate Legion events.
"With the help of the Legion executive team and the elbow grease and imagination of Coach Rachelle and coordinator Christmas, they have transformed a dusty basement catchall area into a beautiful place for the kids to play."
Proceeds have come from the kids' participation fees and two corporate sponsors to pay for the upgrades.
"The team has been infused with nearly $2,000 to upgrade the equipment and space to play ensuring a consistent play schedule for the team," Christmas said.
The reveal on Wednesday, Jan. 29 was a surprise for the kids, which happened with all the sponsors present.
"The Sylvan Lake Youth Darts is particularly grateful to their sponsors Bruins Plumbing and Heating Ltd. for the team jerseys, Mauri Christmas Consulting for the wall protection, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 for the space and support to play and to all the families and kids who come and make this all worthwhile," Christmas said.
"The reveal of the new space will change our practice dynamic with a goal of having the club participate in youth tournaments soon."
Sylvan Lake Youth Darts was founded in September 2024 by Coach Rachelle Bradley.
"Growing up in New Brunswick, Rachelle was an inherently shy kid, with little confidence until she found darts. Sparked by the spirit of competition she came out of her shell and went on to compete at provincial and national levels. Her dream has always been to give that opportunity to other youth too," Christmas said.
Most of the kids in the club never played before they were in the program.
"We have seen a major improvement from when they started and were barely able to reach the board to where they are today," Christmas said.
For the program, new space is a huge step forward.
"Sylvan Lake Youth Darts is able to confidently grow and welcome more youth to join with this dedicated space."
The program is ready to grow and is still accepting participants.
The Youth Darts Club welcomes youth ages 9-17.
If interested individuals can contact Coach Bradley at 403-896-6294.
Sylvan Lake Youth Darts runs from September to May.