Bill Hammond Jr. could never have envisioned his entire family engaging in competitive darts, let alone having a teenage family member clinch a world cup victory. His journey into darts began in the ’90s when a friend encouraged him to give it a shot. Initially skeptical, he soon discovered his talent for the game.
Upon meeting his now-wife, Sandy Hope, their shared passion for competitive darts deepened their bond. Reflecting on the past, Bill emphasizes the significant growth in opportunities for dart players today, suggesting that it is now possible to build a career in the sport.
Their 17-year-old son, Peyton Hammond, recently triumphed at the World Darts Federation World Cup Youth Singles 2025 in Seoul, Korea. Peyton aims to pursue a professional darts career in England, attracted by the frequency and rewards of tournaments compared to Canada.
Despite the perception of darts as a casual pub game, national champion Jayda Hammond, aged 16, emphasizes its family-centric nature and the depth of skill and dedication it requires. The Hammond-Hope family, spread across Canada, bonds over their shared love for darts, with members actively promoting the sport nationally.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family embraced virtual darts sessions, fueling Peyton’s skills development. Starting his darts journey as a toddler, Peyton’s dedication to the sport is evident in his rigorous daily practice routine.
The family highlights the benefits of darts in enhancing hand-eye coordination, mental acuity, physical strength, and mathematical skills. They underscore the welcoming and supportive nature of the darts community, especially in Canada, where players readily assist each other.
While acknowledging the challenges in attracting new enthusiasts to the sport, the family leverages social media, particularly Facebook, to disseminate information about dart leagues and tournaments. They encourage those interested in darts to connect with local groups on social media platforms for further engagement.