Cam's Corner: Award not possible without community's help

IT'S CERTAINLY interesting being recognised as a half decent writer, considering I don't rate myself in terms of writing.

On Wednesday night, along with The Northern Advocate, I was recognised as the best sports writer out of APN's regional group. Now, I've said it before, I don't do journalism for the awards. But, it is nice to be told the work you have done in the last 12 months is valued and recognised.

What I mean by "I don't rate myself in terms of writing" is that I don't consider myself a wordsmith. I'm definitely not the most creative of writers, nor do I try to be, and pride myself more so on telling as many local stories as I can.

Which in saying that means it's the people I have interviewed in the last 12 months who are the real winners.

As a journalist, and a sports writer at that, it's my job to fly the flag of the people in our community. I'm a storyteller, you could say. Yes, there are different ways and angles to tell those stories, but, at the end of the day I rely on the people within the Northland community to be doing cool things worth writing about.

So, kudos to you Northland. While I have been the person to promote and tell your stories - and then be recognised for it - it is you lot who have enabled that to happen.

In times to come, I look forward to telling more of your stories. With me being the only sports specific writer at the Advocate, I do appreciate - and need - your help with tipping off stories and providing information which helps me to piece together a story.

Let's keep the lines of communication open. If you have something coming up, let me know, or if you have a suggestion on a Northland sportsperson who may make a good profile - let me know.

So I would like to thank you, Northland, for the opportunity to tell your stories.

sports@northernadvocate.co.nz