FANS attending the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship will be able to give their support to Ladbrokes' campaign for darts to be recognised as an Olympic sport.
Ladbrokes, the title sponsors of darts' biggest tournament, have launched a petition for darts to receive recognition by Olympic authorities.
Their petition book was launched earlier in December, with reigning Ladbrokes World Champion Adrian Lewis and 15-time World Champion Phil Taylor being the first signatories.
Lewis also lit a specially-made dart-shaped Olympic Torch ahead of the start of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on Thursday, while the petition book will be available in the Fans Village at the event for supporters attending the tournament to sign.
"Our customers tell us that darts is right up there as a sport they love and we're keen to ensure that the authorities appreciate the mass appeal that darts provides," said Ladbrokes' Jessica Bridge.
"The enthusiasm and excitement of the crowds at London 2012 is mirrored every year at Alexandra Palace, so darts would be a perfect fit for a future Olympic Games."
Reigning World Champion Lewis added: "The game has come a long way in a relatively short space of time and is now enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
"It would be fitting if that increasing popularity is rewarded on the biggest stage of all. I can't think of a sport that is more worthy of that recognition.
"Hopefully this torch and the petition will lift the profile of the campaign and start the ball rolling. There's a long way to go but there's no reason why it can't be included."