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It’s been a dark cold winter and a long, stormy spring. But – cue the steel drums, tanning bronzer and Jimmy Buffett tunes – for the ADA the bright sun, blue skies and palm trees of Orlando are just around the corner.
 On August 6, 2008, the 17th annual ADA National Championships return to the beautiful Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. This is a Resort in the true sense of the word. Sixteen buildings host 1100 guest rooms on 45 acres surrounded by lagoons, fountains, gardens and swimming pools. Located on the popular intersection of International Drive and Sand Lake members will find dozens of night clubs, restaurants and gift shops within a 10 minute walk.
The National Championships have become a “gotta be there” event, particularly now that the Wyndham Orlando Resort is the home venue. Just the room rate itself is worth the trip – the ADA rate is extended for as long as members wish to stay, not just the duration of the events – and when you factor in the friendships and competitions of the Championship, it’s an unbeatable deal!
Last year many ADA members turned the trip into a family vacation. There’s plenty for the family to do in Orlando while the parentals take part in the darts competitions.
 What other ADA members noted last year is that the ADA room discount makes it easier to arrive early, even a day or two before, the start of the Championship events, chill out and be there in plenty of time to catch the Opening Ceremonies on Thursday. The Opening Day is always exciting with the recognition of the “Top Seed” members and the “Let the Games Begin” buzz of the crowd.
The ADA National Championship offers eight categories of English steel tip and Electronic soft tip competition so there is enough variety to satisfy even the most dedicated darts dilettante. In addition to Team League and Express League events members will compete in Mixed Triples, Men’s & Women’s Doubles, Men’s & Women’s Singles and the popular Draw Doubles.
The Military Cup Challenge returns for the eighth year. Sponsored by Budweiser it is the Armed Forces only darts championship. Held on Thursday all active, reserve/guard and retired military are eligible. This event determines which branch of the military has the best darters.
A new event this year is the Professional Darts Championship. This singles event is open to ADA Certified Pros only where they will compete to determine the new men’s & women’s Professional Darts Champions. A Pro/Am event will also take place. Both events take place on Wednesday.
 If that’s not enough, the ADA will be placing soft tip courts at the various poolside bars of the resort for some after-hours darts play. Last year, at “Gatorville”, a poolside bar that was the favorite of many ADA darters, some of the darts contests were nearly as intense as were some of the Championship rounds! A new “Member Lounge” will be added to the Championship arena area. A flat TV, table games, poker tables and more will be available to members between rounds.
Everywhere you look, during the days of the Championship, darts rules. When the ADA is in the house in Orlando, we make a splash in more ways than one and that creates a lot of good times.
It’s no wonder that many ADA members consider the National Championships not just the means to determine who the Top Seeds and Champions will be, but also the social event of the season. Many strong and lasting friendships have been forged at this annual get together.
So, now is the time to register for the ADA National Championships, to shake off the chill of spring and start to savor the salt of sea spray and margarita’s. Don’t delay as the final registration date for the Championships is May 20, just six weeks away! Registering is easy and can take place right here at the ADA web site (see link below).
The allure of a stay in the shimmering Florida sun while anticipating the good-times, camaraderie and competition that comes with the ADA National Championships is just around the corner. See you there!
Championship Online Registration: www.adadarters.com/series/2008/nc/index.html
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