Dave Clark
Sky Sports Darts Presenter
“Parkinson’s is a one-way road, the day will not be far away once I’d battle on air. I am a proud man and have determined that I would wish to go along with my dignity intact, fairly than persevering with till one thing goes mistaken.”
Final Up to date: 12/07/20 eight:53pm
Dave Clark is stepping away from his role as presenter of Sky Sports Darts after virtually 20 years
It has been a tremendous journey, 22 years acting on Sky Sports, almost 10 years with a continual degenerative neurological situation. Fairly an innings, doing the very best job on the planet.
Once I was identified with Parkinson’s a ‘specialist’ stated I would solely have the ability to current dwell sport for 2 or three extra years. Practically a decade after that prognosis, I can nonetheless current dwell tv, on stage, in entrance of 10,00zero individuals.
I’ve determined I wish to cease now, nonetheless in management, nonetheless in a position to do the job, nonetheless in a position to take pleasure in it.
I lately watched a Muhammad Ali documentary on Sky and was reminded of the nice man’s 1980 conflict with Larry Holmes. Ali was a shell of his former self.
zero:54 Clarky struggles to carry it collectively after a remark from Jerry Hendriks about feeling like a fish on stage – one of his favorite reminiscences
Early onset Parkinson’s meant he had no reflexes, no pace, no punch.
Nothing, besides his satisfaction and the gang chanting, ‘Ali! Ali!’. Lastly, after 10 rounds, Angelo Dundee, Ali’s coach, stopped the carnage, waving the towel. I do not need that to be me.
The very last thing I need is for somebody to throw within the towel for me or for darts followers to really feel uncomfortable or sorry for me as my Parkinson’s progresses.
“There have been just a few events when the on-air clock has been counting down and my medicine hasn’t kicked in.
My physique inflexible and shaky, my joints painful and palms so stiff I could not maintain a microphone, write my title or do the buttons up on my shirt.
I would be praying my tablets would begin working. The mixture of adrenaline, enthusiastic vitality, medicine and dedication all the time obtained me by way of, however that will not all the time be the case.”
Dave Clark
Lockdown has given us all rather a lot of time to suppose, on events an excessive amount of time, nevertheless it’s given me time to kind out my priorities.
Household comes first. I am eager to spend extra days with my spouse and two sons. Time is an actual luxurious that so many have been denied throughout this tough interval.
I am NOT giving up on life, simply stopping doing the darts. I intend to maintain busy, writing a e-book “Stand Up If You Love The Darts” about my time presenting throughout some of the game’s best years.
I am hoping to remain concerned in broadcasting in some capability and can proceed to lift consciousness of Parkinson’s and fundraising to discover a remedy by way of my chosen charity Parkinson’s UK.
“Sky have been very supportive through the years, it is 100 per cent my resolution to take a look at of the darts.”
Dave Clark
Regardless of the help of a terrific staff, the previous couple of years have not been simple. At instances it has been extraordinarily hectic presenting while having Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is a one-way road, the day will not be far away once I’d battle on air. I am a proud man and have determined that I would wish to go along with my dignity intact, fairly than persevering with till one thing goes mistaken.
Sky have been very supportive through the years, it is 100 per cent my resolution to take a look at of the darts.
I am actually proud to have launched Sky Sports News, anchored the darts all through its meteoric rise and offered the boxing, together with Ricky Hatton’s greatest fights, some of Carl Froch’s memorable nights and Anthony Joshua’s professional debut.
It has been a superb journey with some unimaginable individuals. It isn’t the top, simply the beginning of the following chapter in my life.
Thanks in your help through the years. Let’s have a beer someday.
“Dave has been a unbelievable broadcaster for Sky Sports throughout an unimaginable 22 years working right here.
“From the primary days of Sky Sports News, then working throughout many alternative sports activities from soccer to boxing and main the darts since 2002, he’s liked by our viewers and an excellent colleague to work with.
“His battle towards Parkinson’s has shone a light-weight on his braveness and dignity by way of all of it, elevating cash and consciousness to assist others which is a credit score to the person.
We want him all the easiest and he’ll all the time be welcome at Sky Sports.”
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