Celebrating Excellence in Sports Leadership: UK Athletics at the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon

The Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon is one of the most esteemed events in the realm of professional recognition, bringing together top leaders, advocates, and change-makers in a celebration of achievements that exemplify the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in various sectors. This prestigious gathering, hosted annually by the UK Women’s Forum, serves as a moment to honor the exceptional contributions of women to their fields, providing a platform for highlighting achievements that inspire and pave the way for future generations.

Among the distinguished attendees and honorees at the 2025 Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon were three standout UK Athletics staff members: Cami Moore Williams, a recipient of the coveted 30 Under 30 Award; Heather McAtee, Chair-Elect of the Women’s Forum; and Sandy Bell, a finalist for the Staff Award. Their presence at the event not only underscored the growing influence of UK Athletics in promoting gender equality and leadership within the sports industry, but also highlighted the incredible work being done by women in sports leadership positions.

Let us explore the accomplishments of these remarkable women, their contributions to UK Athletics, and the broader impact they are making in sports leadership and beyond.

Cami Moore Williams: A Rising Star in the World of Athletics

Cami Moore Williams, at just 30 years old, has already carved out an impressive career within the world of UK Athletics. Her selection for the prestigious 30 Under 30 Award at the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon is a testament to her drive, vision, and exceptional leadership potential.

Early Career and Dedication to Athletics

Cami’s journey into the world of athletics began at a young age, driven by her passion for sports and the positive impact that athletics can have on personal development and community cohesion. Her dedication to the sport led her to work across a variety of roles in both grassroots and professional athletics, giving her a unique understanding of the challenges faced by athletes, coaches, and organizations in achieving success at every level.

In her current role at UK Athletics, Cami has been instrumental in several initiatives that seek to enhance the athlete experience, particularly for underrepresented groups. She has championed diversity and inclusion efforts within UK Athletics, ensuring that all athletes—regardless of background, gender, or race—are given the support they need to excel both on and off the track.

Her approach to leadership is one that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and empowerment. She is particularly known for her mentorship of younger athletes and her ability to bring together individuals from different sectors of athletics to work towards common goals. In many ways, her work embodies the ethos of the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards: uplifting those who may not have had the same opportunities as others and ensuring they are empowered to succeed.

Leadership Beyond Athletics

Aside from her direct contributions to athletics, Cami has also become a prominent advocate for women in leadership roles, especially within male-dominated sports organizations. She uses her platform to speak about the importance of gender equality and the need for more women to occupy decision-making roles in the sports industry.

Her recognition as a 30 Under 30 honoree is well-deserved, reflecting not just her achievements within UK Athletics, but her broader impact on changing the landscape of leadership in sports.

Heather McAtee: Chair-Elect of the Women’s Forum

Another key figure from UK Athletics at the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon is Heather McAtee, who was recognized for her work as the Chair-Elect of the UK Women’s Forum. Heather’s appointment as the Chair-Elect marks the beginning of what promises to be a transformative period for the forum and underscores the significant role women’s leadership plays in advancing equity within the sports sector.

Leadership in the Women’s Forum

The Women’s Forum serves as a vital platform for advocating for gender equality and fostering the next generation of female leaders in sports. As Chair-Elect, Heather has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Forum’s outreach, focusing on creating meaningful opportunities for women in sports leadership roles. She has been instrumental in launching programs that mentor young women seeking careers in athletics, ensuring they have the tools and support to rise to positions of influence.

Her leadership has emphasized the need for systemic change in how sports organizations approach gender diversity and the importance of providing women with the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Under her direction, the Women’s Forum has seen substantial growth in both membership and impact, proving the effectiveness of her vision for an inclusive, equitable future for women in athletics.

Heather’s commitment to creating lasting change has garnered her respect within UK Athletics and across the sports industry as a whole. Her advocacy has inspired many young women to pursue careers in sports and athletics, knowing that there is now a supportive community dedicated to empowering them every step of the way.

A Vision for the Future

As the new Chair-Elect of the Women’s Forum, Heather’s goals are ambitious, yet entirely within reach. She aims to expand the Forum’s reach globally, ensuring that women in sports from all corners of the world have access to the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive. Heather is also committed to creating initiatives that specifically address the unique challenges faced by women of color and those from disadvantaged backgrounds in the sports industry.

Her role as Chair-Elect and her ongoing contributions to both UK Athletics and the wider sports community make her a trailblazer in women’s sports leadership, and her presence at the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon further solidified her status as one of the key figures to watch in the years ahead.

Sandy Bell: A Finalist for the Staff Award

The third UK Athletics staff member to be honored at the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon was Sandy Bell, a finalist for the Staff Award. This recognition highlights Sandy’s exceptional contributions to the success of UK Athletics, particularly in her role as a coach and mentor.

A Commitment to Excellence in Coaching

Sandy Bell has dedicated much of her career to the development and training of athletes across a range of disciplines. As one of the most respected figures within UK Athletics, Sandy has become known for her tireless work ethic and her ability to get the best out of her athletes, whether they are seasoned professionals or up-and-coming talents.

Her work extends beyond simply training athletes; Sandy has been a driving force in fostering a positive, supportive environment for all athletes within the UK Athletics system. She is a firm believer in the power of mentorship and has helped countless athletes navigate the physical and mental challenges that come with competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Sandy’s ability to relate to her athletes, understand their individual needs, and develop personalized strategies for their success has earned her the respect and admiration of both her colleagues and the athletes she coaches. Her recognition as a finalist for the Staff Award is a reflection of her unwavering dedication to excellence in coaching and her invaluable role in shaping the future of athletics in the UK.

Fostering a Culture of Support and Resilience

Beyond coaching, Sandy is also passionate about mental health and well-being in sports. She has worked to create a culture of support within UK Athletics, where athletes feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges without fear of stigma. Sandy’s commitment to fostering resilience in athletes extends beyond physical training, emphasizing the importance of mental strength in achieving success.

Her advocacy for mental health awareness in sports is an important aspect of her legacy and has helped bring greater attention to the need for comprehensive mental health support systems within athletic organizations.

A Historic Moment for UK Athletics

The recognition of Cami Moore Williams, Heather McAtee, and Sandy Bell at the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon is a significant milestone for UK Athletics. It highlights not only the incredible work these women are doing in their respective roles but also signals the ongoing transformation of the sports industry toward greater diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.

Through their collective efforts, Cami, Heather, and Sandy are helping to build a future in which women’s voices are heard and celebrated within athletics. Their leadership is helping to reshape the narrative around women in sports, ensuring that future generations of athletes and sports leaders will have the support they need to succeed.

As UK Athletics continues to push for progress, the achievements of these three incredible women stand as a reminder of the power of determination, leadership, and vision. Their success serves as an inspiration to women everywhere, showing that with hard work and dedication, it is possible to break through barriers and achieve greatness.

 Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

The Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon, with its focus on honoring women’s achievements, is a vital platform for promoting the values of diversity and inclusion in all sectors. The recognition of Cami Moore Williams, Heather McAtee, and Sandy Bell at this year’s event reflects the growing importance of female leadership in sports and provides a glimpse into the bright future of UK Athletics.

As these three remarkable women continue to lead, inspire, and innovate within their roles, they will undoubtedly play a key part in shaping the future of athletics in the UK. Their accomplishments are a testament to the power of female leadership, and their work will continue to resonate for years to come.

Through their passion, vision, and commitment to excellence, Cami, Heather, and Sandy are not only making history—they are creating a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of women to follow in their footsteps and push for greater equality in sports and beyond.