A Plymouth man has been awarded the highest accolade for his services to basketball.
Chris Bunnett, who lives in Stoke, received Basketball England’s Lifetime Achievement award having been involved in basketball for more than 50 years before his retirement.
The former Honicknowle Secondary Modern pupil was an all-round sportsman, excelling at football, cricket, boxing – and basketball.
He joined the Royal Tank Regiment at the age of 17 and went on to become a physical training instructor, returning 22 years later as a sergeant major and something of a legend.
During his Army career, as well as being a prominent basketball player, he also coached, was an administrator and qualified as a British Basketball League referee.
He officiated at many of the national basketball cup finals, as well as mentoring many National Basketball League officials.
During his time he always had the desire to compete annually in the ABA Boxing Championships, where he was well known for his boxing artistry. He was Army Cadet Force Junior ABA champion in 1964.
His Army career took him to many bases in Europe which enabled him to maintain his refereeing sharpness. Although not desperate to leave the Army, an opportunity at the age of 40 enabled him to be a civilian training instructor for the police, a post he held for 15 years.
Prior to enlisting in the Army Chris was keen to obtain the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme awards. He got the Bronze in 1963 and Silver the following year, but time eventually ran out.
But the criteria for the Gold Award, supported by his Army achievements and records, more than justified his Gold status. He was finally presented with the Gold Award, with the medals being approved after more than 50 years at the age of 70!
In 2019 Chris was named as Basketball England’s Volunteer of the Year for the South Region, having previously been appointed as a member of the England Basketball Fellowship.
Chris lived in retirement at Aldershot with lis late wife Mitzi, but has returned to Plymouth after many years away. He will be 75 in December and is now enjoying life in the city with his partner Caron.
