Sid Waddell aims to help numeracy

Jan 22 2009 The Journal

Cult darts commentator Sid Waddell hit the mark when he showed how darts can help your maths.

Sid, who was born in Northumberland, was invited by the Learning and Skills Council North East to promote a campaign aimed at improving adult numeracy and literacy.

He believes the mental arithmetic needed to quickly add scores and plot finishes is an enjoyable way of sharpening your mind and improving your chances of getting a job.

He said: "If Bertrand Russell and Einstein were with us today they would be dart players. To me it’s not just a board – it shows the beauty of maths.

"I was able to do mental arithmetic at seven and I was also encouraged to read but a lot of people probably didn’t have the advantages I had at a posh grammar school."

In the most recent survey carried out in 2003, 22% of working age adults in the region had literacy skills below GCSE grade D and 28% numeracy skills below those expected of 11-year-olds.

Michael Mitchell, LSC’s skills development director, said: "Sid’s university educated and has written books but is still going to portray that working-class, down-to-earth image and that’s the sort of person that people empathise with.

"Playing darts is a non-threatening way in which people can improve their skills. A lot of people need a different environment to learn in."

Workers from Gateshead Council met Sid and LSC representatives for their game of darts at a council depot.