PDC referee Huw Ware has been appointed an official ambassador for EuroGames Cardiff 2027, calling it “one of the greatest honours of my life.” The 32-year-old Welshman will represent the event, which is Europe’s largest multi-sport event for LGBTQ+ athletes and their allies. The 2027 edition will be held from July 14 to 17 in Cardiff, marking the first time the event has taken place in the United Kingdom.
Ware joins an impressive group of ambassadors, including former Olympic hockey medalist Sarah Jones and football icon Jess Fishlock. The darts official made history in 2025 by becoming the first openly gay man ever to officiate a World Darts Championship final. Ware moved to Cardiff at the age of nineteen, a city he says played a key role in his own development. “I can tell you from my own personal experience that this is a city that will welcome all athletes,” Ware said. “It will give you a safe space to compete and to enjoy yourselves in equal measure.” According to Ware, Cardiff’s inclusive LGBTQ+ community gave him the confidence to be open about his sexuality within professional darts.
In his ambassador role, Ware hopes to highlight the accessibility of darts. “The beauty of darts is that it doesn’t matter who you are, what your background is, or where you are from,” he said. “Both players have three darts in their hand, and it’s about who throws them better - that’s it.” He encourages as many people as possible to take part in the tournament in Cardiff, whether beginners or experienced players. The darts tournament at EuroGames is being organised by Out on the Oche, the official LGBTQ+ darts group supported by the PDC, with hopes of attracting a large international field.
EuroGames puts a clear focus on inclusion and accessibility. Recent YouGov research shows that more than a third of LGBTQ+ people have experienced discrimination while playing sports or when attempting to take up a sport. To remove those barriers, EuroGames allows participants to register in the gender category in which they feel most comfortable. Ware stated: “Sport should be a place where people come together, not where they’re excluded. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming people from all over Europe to Cardiff.” Registration for a large number of sports is now open, and thousands of athletes from across Europe are expected to travel to Cardiff for the historic event.