O’Neill’s has unveiled the UK’s first ever accessible, interactive Arrowsmiths dartboard for disabled guests at its Southampton site this summer. The accessible oche was officially launched by Vincent D’hondt, the world number one paradarts player.
D’hondt, who has 30 titles to his name, showcased his exceptional darts skills while also engaging with the team and locals in a series of friendly matches, testing out the new oche which has been designed specifically for wheelchair-friendly height.
O’Neill’s Southampton is the first O’Neill’s in the UK to feature an accessible oche with step-free access and dual-height dartboards, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the thrill of the game together. The unique setup eliminates the need for manual adjustments, fostering inclusivity and enhancing the overall experience for all players.
Vincent D’hondt commented: "This accessible oche is brilliant because wheelchair players can play each other, but also non-wheelchair users too. It's great for inclusion, and I really enjoyed trying out all of the games."
Andy Moore, General Manager at O’Neill’s Southampton, reflected on the event: “The response from the community has been incredible. Seeing Vincent D’hondt in action on our new accessible dartboard was truly inspiring. We’re thrilled to offer this inclusive experience to encourage more people to get involved in sports. This launch is just the beginning of a new era of darts at O’Neill’s, where everyone can enjoy the game without barriers.”
501 Fun, the creators behind the interactive Arrowsmiths dartboards, worked closely with O’Neill’s Southampton to bring this innovative concept to life. Jonny Powell, CEO of 501 Fun, commented: "This marks a significant advancement for darts, and we are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of pioneering this initiative. It was a pleasure to work alongside the team at Arrowsmiths to bring this to fruition."
The launch event not only introduced the accessible dartboard but also highlighted the unique Arrowsmiths experience available at O’Neill’s Southampton. Guests over the age of 18 can now enjoy a 90-minute session of digital darts from just £11 per person, with six individual booths accommodating groups of up to 12 people – perfect for a night out with friends, colleagues, or family.
For more information or to visit O’Neill’s Southampton visit: https://www.oneills.co.uk/national-search/south-east/southampton#/