FRODSHAM running legend George Bunner has been inducted into the British Athletics “Hall of Fame”.
The founder of Frodsham Harriers Club and the international Sportshall Athletics movement was one of nine people given the honour for 2014. Only 70 have been inducted to the Hall of Fame since it was established in 2008.
They include internationally famous names such as Roger Bannister, Chris Brasher, Chris Chataway, Sebastian Coe, Linford Christie, Ann Packer, Tessa Sanderson, Fatima Whitbread, Daley Thompson and Kelly Holmes.
New members are only admitted to the Hall of Fame after they have been retired from athletics for five years or more. George Bunner – now aged 82 – was a promising athlete and was the English AAA junior 880 yards champion in 1950. He suffered the tragic loss of his wife in a car crash in 1968. It left him severely injured and a single parent to their two infant sons.
He married his second wife, Sheila in 1971 and the couple had a baby daughter. Fighting back from his injuries, he rekindled his interest in athletics and, with friends, formed Frodsham Athletics Club. Realising that traditional track and field would not suit primary school aged children he set about creating what has now become “Sportshall Athletics – an enjoyable way for young people to get into running, jumping and throwing activities as their first steps into athletic.
The Sportshall programme has evolved over the years and now forms a major parts of the athletics component of the National School Competition framework. George is now recognised worldwide as a leading authority on the development of children’s athletics.
In 2002 he was awarded the MBE for his services to athletics and today he remains an inspirational driving force within the sport.
