Erwin Swangard (11 May 1908 – 5 May 1993) was a German-born journalist.[1][2]Swangard Stadium is named after him.
Swangard was born inMunich, Germany in 1908.[2] He emigrated to Canada in 1930.[3][4]
As a journalist, he covered the1936 Olympic Games for theVancouver Sun and theToronto Globe.[3][4] From 1951 to 1959, he undertook various editorial roles at theVancouver Sun, concluding as managing editor.[3]
In sports development, Swangard founded the Tournament of Soccer Champions in British Columbia, which expanded from 70 to 2,500 teams.[3] He also contributed to the inception of theBC Lions and was instrumental in establishingSwangard Stadium in Burnaby's Central Park in 1969.[3]
Between 1976 and 1989, Swangard served at thePacific National Exhibition (PNE), during which the event underwent significant changes.[3] For his community efforts, he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 1987 and became a Member of theOrder of Canada in 1989.[3]