• Perks of the job Perks of the job By Duane Shimogawa – The Garden Island I’ll tell you some of the secrets or should I say, perks of the job as Sports Editor at The Garden Island newspaper. For
• Perks of the job
Perks of the job
By Duane Shimogawa – The Garden Island
I’ll tell you some of the secrets or should I say, perks of the job as Sports Editor at The Garden Island newspaper.
For one, as one of the biggest, or if not the biggest sports fan on the island, there’s nothing better than attending and reporting on an island sporting event and calling it my job.
I mean, I go to most of these games anyway, as a form of recreation, just to see the beauty of competition. I live, breathe, eat, and even go to the faithful John to read the latest Sports Illustrated magazine or some sports book. Anything that’s sports, is my prerogative.
I think this type of obsession started when I was just in my diapers and mom and dad got me hooked on sports, but not the more traditional one’s that you might be thinking of.
Instead, rodeo was the biggest thing for me since I got my first tooth and even then, I knew that sports would never leave my side and boy was I right! With mom, dad, and sister all packed up in the chevy truck, Princeville was the next stop after the house in Kipu was vacated on that faithful rodeo sunday for the Shimogawa’s.
But going to the rodeo and being around the cows and horses didn’t lead to a life at the ranch, instead I chose a different path and I’m glad my parents stood by me when it came down to making my own decisions.
Shifting back to the perks though, another one is getting recognized by total strangers. I think that this is probably the last benefit on the list and the least important, moreover I’ve got to admit that it does feel weird at times, but I won’t complain. In fact, there are times when people will thank me for either putting a photo of their child in the paper, or writing an article about a sports team winning a championship.
My first response is usually,” Your welcome, it’s my job!” The Garden Island’s Associate Editor Paul Curtis and I were just discussing this very topic the other day, because he too, gets the same type of responses from the public and it’s just another perk of the job. There aren’t many occupations that supply a thank you on a daily basis and I’m just glad to be a part of that.
Yet another benefit of being the sports nut at The Garden Island is knowing about every single sporting event going on, not just here on Kaua‘i, but all over the world.
However, without a doubt, the number one perk of my job is getting to know and meet individuals like you! Whether it’s a parent, coach, player, or fan, I think that every person at the game is getting something really special from it. Sports brings all of us together.
I remember a time when my own mom and dad went through one of those tough days, but when game time popped up, everything that was wrong, was made right.
I’m not saying that sports can solve all problems, but it sure makes us realize that there are better things in life to do than not get along with each other, and sports is just one of the main alternatives.
Rob Silverman of Rob’s Goodtimes Bar and Grill is a great example of having a plethora of perspectives when it comes to sports.
Rob is a rodeo guy and can be seen at rodeo events around the island, but he shifts gears when it comes down to his children, who play the more conventional type of sports, such as soccer. Everyday people make a big difference in our sporting community and I thank you for reading The Garden Island newspaper, especially the sports section.
Getting to meet people from all walks of life who enjoy sports, just a much as myself is definitely something that puts a smile on my face. Sports gives us an outlet from the grind and it gives us something to talk about with passion and dignity.
In closing, Perks only make my job better, it’s you that makes it the best!
