A tribute to George Bunner MBE (1932-2025)
England Athletics is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of George Bunner MBE, a dear friend and the creator of Sportshall Athletics.
George was born in the City of Liverpool in 1932, and joined Liverpool Harriers & AC in 1946. He was AAA Champion in 1950 over 880-yards.
Since 1976, millions of youngsters, including such future international stars as Robbie Grabarz and Denise Lewis, enjoyed their first taste of the sport in Sportshall Athletics, the brainchild of George.
George created Sportshall Athletics as an enjoyable way for children to try running, jumping and throwing activities in a safe indoor environment.
The programme became so popular that a national competition was developed with the the first UK Championships being staged in 1984.
Recognised worldwide as a leading authority on the development of children’s athletics, George left his engineering profession in 1992 to work within the sport on a full-time but voluntary basis.
Bringing together children in competition and friendship
Sportshall Athletics is an activity that can unite children from across the globe in competition and friendship.
Among his other initiatives was the World Marathon Challenge, bringing together thousands of children from over 60 different countries – another example of his incredible contribution to our sport.
George was inducted into our England Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014, and was also a former chair of the Amateur Athletic Association. He was instrumental in supporting the smooth transition of governance from the AAA to England Athletics in 2005 when it was formed.
George will be missed by all at England Athletics, but we will ensure that his legacy lives on to work towards every young person across England having the opportunity and access to enjoy our wonderful sport of run, jump, and throw.
George's legacy is assured
England Athletics CEO, Chris Jones, said:
"George was lovely man whose energy and vision was infectious. His legacy is assured as we now work collaboratively with his sons Ivan and Tom and the team at Eveque Sportshall to further expand the programme in 2026 alongside funetics multi-challenge in schools, clubs and communities across England."