Nunavut teen aims for world darts championships, 'most random sport ever'

Caidynce Rever first caught the bug while playing darts competitively around February last year.

Her 15-year-old mother from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, asked if she wanted to join her at a provincial competition in Alberta.

Rever said yes – but then almost slept before the tournament.

“[My mother] I tried to wake up. I said to myself: “I’m not going”…. And then she says “whatever.” They were in the car about to leave and I got up. I was yelling out the window, I was like, 'Wait for me, I'm coming,'” Rever said.

Fortunately, because it was this competition that got her hooked on this sport. Before, Rever only threw darts for fun.

Now, about 16 months later, Rever is preparing for the World Darts Federation (WDF) World Masters, which will be held in Hungary in October.

Rever qualified for the World Masters Championship after placing 3rd in the junior women's division of the National Darts Championships, held in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, last May. She played alongside athletes from Team Alberta. (Submitted by Viki Rever)

She is currently ranked first in the junior women's division in Canada and will become the first young Inuk to represent Canada on the world stage in darts.

“I still think it’s just a dream and I’m just waiting to wake up,” she said.

It's the people who are worth it

Rever said she was a little nervous about competing in the international tournament, but at her side will be her trusty coach, Bud Boland.

During the season, they train twice a week at the Legion at Jasper Place in Edmonton, where Rever now lives.

“She was so shy when I first met her. If we didn't approach her, she probably wouldn't talk to you at all,” Boland said.

“But Caidynce, to my wife and I, is like one of our granddaughters. That's how close she is now.”

Rever said it's people like Boland who encourage him to continue playing the sport.

“I feel like darts is the most random sport there is. But if you try it, you'll love it…And you'll love the people around you too,” Rever said.

Rever, right, with his darts coach Bud Boland and Boland's wife, Virginia, after Rever's first tournament victory in Fort McMurray, Alberta, in April 2023. (Submitted by Viki Rever)

Developing sport among the next generation

As a coach of 14 young darts players in Edmonton, Boland said he is seeing a growing interest in the sport among the younger generation.

But in order to push the sport even further, he said clubs need to provide more opportunities for young people to get involved.

“I think I'm one of the only [people] in the Edmonton area who coaches kids. I hope more people do it,” he said.

He believes it is a sport accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

And if you need advice, turn to one of the best players in the country.

“You just have to get on a board and throw a few yards until you're comfortable,” Rever said.

“And if you're feeling nervous, take a step back, breathe and just throw your darts. Play your own game.”