The 24th Puma Australian Junior Darts Championships were opened at 10.00am. Tasmanian Darts Council Secretary Karin Walker introduced the MC for the opening Mayor of Latrobe Mike Gaffney. A notable sportsman in his own right he expressed his great pleasure in having these Championships in Latrobe. He highlighted what the area has to offer and was proud of the Community of Latrobe on presenting a great environment for these Championships. He introduced the flag bearers.
They were:
Australian Flag

Dewayne Everett representing the host State and final year as a Junior Representative

Dart Federation of Australia Flag

Melissa Jackson representing the host State and final year as a Junior after four years representing her State

Tania Walker

David Clegg

Northern Territory

Tara McArthur

Chris Nielsen

Queensland

Monika Clare

Ben Gaiter

South Australia

Simone Keogh

Luke Warren

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Victoria

Nicole King

Michael Martinez

Western Australia

Ashley Charchalis

Kyle Anderson

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Tasmania

Jenna Cullen

Rhys Mathewson

MC Gaffney then introduced the President of the Tasmanian Darts Council Mr Robbie Walker to address the congregated.

On behalf of the TDC Executive and Members of the TDC he welcomed all to Latrobe in Tasmania and was honoured to be involved with the first Australian Darts Championships to be played in Tasmania.

He thanked the Tasmanian Government and Events Tasmania & Sport & Recreation for their support in getting behind the sport of darts and hoped they would supportive again in the future.

He thanked all of the Members and Supporters for their efforts in bring these Championships together and for helping in running the Championships.

He is hoping for a wonderful week for the Players and Officials, that all runs smoothly for them and that everyone enjoy themselves while here at the Championships in Tasmania.

The MC then asked the Vice President of the Darts Federation of Australia Mr Barry Duncan to delivers his message to the Junior Players and Officials. He expressed the friendships that are made at Championships like these.

He also mentioned that these Championships are the stepping-stone to selection for the World Youth Cup in Perth later in 2005 and preparation for representing their State/Territory at the senior level.

To the TDC he wished them every success for the running of the Championships and that their excellent organization will come to a successful conclusion.

And to the Players, he wished a successful championship, which they play to the standard they had set themselves and to remember that win or lose, enjoy the game and play in a true sportsman like manner.