DARTS CHAMPION GETS A THANK YOU FROM GOVERNMENT

ANDY FORDHAM, the reigning World Professional Darts Champion, has been praised by the Government for increasing awareness of a numeracy campaign.

Ivan Lewis, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills and Vocational Learning, has written to the 2004 BDO Lakeside World Champion to thank him for supporting the Department for Education and Skills’ Get On campaign – part of the Skills for Life strategy. The campaign seeks to help adults improve their reading, writing, language and maths skills.

Andy, who willingly gave his time and support to illustrate how darts can improve all aspects of mathematics, has been praised for his efforts by Mr Lewis.

In a letter of thanks he says: “Since you lent your backing to the campaign there has been coverage in a wide range of national media and also the educational press. This will undoubtedly have a positive effect on people’s perception of numeracy and will hopefully go some way to tackling the hesitancy that some people may feel around going back to learning.”

Andy is delighted that his efforts have helped to make it a success. He says: “I am well aware how important numeracy skills are and that many people need a little encouragement to tackle some of the problems they face. Darts combines all disciplines of maths and is particularly good aid for improving mental arithmetic skills. I am delighted to have been be able to help through my success as a darts player.”

Get On campaign statistics have revealed more than 1.8 million darts fans – and one fifth of all adults - could lack the key numeracy skills expected of 11 year-olds, which could hinder them at work and effect everyday activities like DIY and managing money.

The Get On campaign was designed to encourage people to develop their numeracy and literacy skills by signing up for courses and to raise awareness of adult basic skills issues.

The campaign aims to help 1.5 million adults to improve their skills by 2007. Over 1.8 million adults have started basic skills courses since July 2001 and over 470,000 adults have gained new qualifications since its launch.