Chuck Swirsky, an icon with the Toronto Raptors radio and television broadcasts as play-by-play announcer for the past 10 seasons, is leaving the organization for personal reasons related to his family. Swirsky and his family are returning to the Chicago area where he served as sports director at WGN Radio from 1982-94, broadcaster of DePaul University basketball for 10 years, host of the Chicago Bears Radio Network for 10 years and held similar responsibilities for the Chicago Cubs Radio Network for a dozen seasons. Swirsky will assume a position as radio play-by-play broadcaster with the Chicago Bulls.

“Chuck Swirsky has been a terrific play-by-play broadcaster for the Raptors, but it was his tireless dedication to the community and his direct relationship with our fans that left an indelible mark on southern Ontario and with Raptors fans across Canada,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. “There’s lots of good play-by-play guys out there, but only one Chuck Swirsky. He is a big loss to our organization. His passion for basketball and passion for our fans, makes him one of the game’s great ambassadors. He’s leaving for the right reasons, and that’s to place the needs of his family at the top of his priority list. He leaves with our support, our deepest appreciation and best wishes for the future.”

Swirsky, who gained his Canadian citizenship this past winter, has handled play-by-play duties on Raptors television broadcasts for the past seven years, following three seasons in that capacity on the radio broadcasts. He signed a four-year contract extension in 2007. He also hosts The Chuck Swirsky Show weekday afternoons on Toronto’s all-sports radio THE FAN 590, the official Radio broadcast partner of the Raptors.

In addition to making regular appearances on behalf of the Raptors Foundation and the club’s Read to Achieve and Slam Dunk Youth Violence programs, Swirsky devotes time on behalf of numerous charities including Special Olympics, Children’s Cancer Research and the Tourette’s Foundation of Canada.

Prior to coming to Toronto, Swirsky was the sports director at WJR Radio in Detroit where he broadcast University of Michigan basketball for four years and anchored pre- and post-game shows for the Detroit Red Wings and Michigan football.