Cathy Williams appointed as Games Manager for Commonwealth Games Wales

Commonwealth Games Wales have appointed Cathy Wiliams as Games Manager. Cathy, who has had an impressive career as a sport broadcast journalist, will work alongside the Chief Executive to plan, deliver and manage activities around the Commonwealth Games, Youth Commonwealth Games and associated events such as Queens Baton Relay.

Originally from Pembrokeshire but now living in Barry with husband Alun and their two children, Cathy has always had a real passion for sport and is delighted to have landed “her dream job”. 

Cathy, who graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University with a degree in Sport Development, started her career as a Personal Trainer and then Physical Education teacher before moving into broadcast journalism and production roles, most recently with the BBC. She has also presented and reported from many high profile sport events, including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Her latest filming projects include presenting an Euro 2016 feature on Gareth Bale for the CBBC’s MOTD Kickabout series and producing the IPC European Swimming Championships in Funchal for Channel 4.

Cathy said: “Joining the team at Commonwealth Games Wales is a dream come true. My broadcasting career has given me great experience of working closely with sport organisations and elite athletes of all kinds, and I have always been truly inspired by their dedication when I’ve interviewed them for sport programmes. I’m really excited to have this opportunity to work even closer with Welsh athletes, and the team of managers, coaches and staff behind Team Wales.”

A massive sport enthusiast, Cathy took part in her first athletics competition aged 5 and has never looked back: “I’ve always been really sporty and I love keeping fit. I think it’s in my blood – my parents used to manage the youth athletics league for Carmarthen Harriers and both my brothers are also into sport. My brother Thomas Gareth and I are former Welsh athletics champions and he’s now a Welsh Tennis player and head coach at Rhiwbina Tennis Club. 

“Ever since I was Colin Jackson’s kit carrier as a very young child, I’ve known that I’d have a career in sport – and what better job than working with the very best athletes in Wales?!”

She added: “I’m extremely passionate about the Commonwealth Games. My brothers and I used to hold mini Commonwealth Games competitions in our back garden for local children. We had trophies, medals and even a podium! I could never have imagined that many years later I’d be part of Team Wales’s journey to the 2018 Games in Gold Coast – I just can’t wait!”

Chris Jenkins, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Wales said: “We are delighted to welcome Cathy to the Commonwealth Games Wales team. She brings with her a wealth of experience of across all sports and an undeniable passion for Welsh sport. 

“This role will significantly boost our planning and delivery capacity to make sure that we work effectively with Sport Wales and governing bodies to create the best performance environment possible for our athletes ahead of Gold Coast 2018.”