Highways firm, Amey Plc, who are responsible for maintaining Sheffield’s roads and street scene, have been thanked by the council for pulling out all the stops in the run up to the greatly anticipated and hugely successful Invictus UK Trials, which came to Sheffield in July.

In the run up to the highly anticipated event, which took place in the UK for the first time, Amey helped transform Woodburn Road Stadium and the surrounding area for the enjoyment of competitors and their friends and family, plus hundreds of visitors and spectators who attended.

In a letter from the council’s Major Events Manager, Amey have been praised for their ‘proactive and diligent approach’ ahead of the occasion, which showcased Sheffield’s renowned sporting provision and made use of the city’s world-class facilities.

Gary Clifton, Major Events Manager at Sheffield City Council said:

“Hosting the Invictus UK Trials was a huge deal for Sheffield and without the help and support of our key partners and other organisations across the city; it simply would not have been possible.

“As well as resurfacing the car park and clearing areas around the venue, Amey created disabled access ramps to the main stand and refitted the entrances to improve access in and out of the stadium.

“The works improved access for competitors with mobility issues and generally made the environment much more inviting for the many competitors and spectators we saw at this momentous event.

“In addition, the investment made by Amey and other partners to make this year’s event a success and show the city in its best light will increase our potential for securing future opportunities of this nature.”

Sheffield hosted the Invictus UK Trials between 22 and 26 July 2019, giving more than 350 competitors the chance to take part in an adaptive multi-sport event as part of their recovery journey, supported by their friends and family. The programme was delivered by a partnership of Help for Heroes, the Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion.

Amongst a whole host of city-wide preparations for the event, Amey helped transform the roads and immediate area around Woodburn Road stadium, where wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans competed in a multi-sport championship.

Amey’s Account Director in Sheffield, Darren Butt, said:

“We were delighted to be able to help get the stadium into shape for such an important event, improving the roads and pathways and helping to make it look attractive to the competitors, their families and supporters.

“We hope that our efforts helped create a great impression for those visiting the city for the first time and that we’ve provided easier access to the outstanding facilities that were enjoyed by all during the event.”

Over five days, 350 competitors, supported by their friends, family and local community, will take part in up to nine sports – Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Indoor Rowing, Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.

In addition to the work around Woodburn Road stadium, Amey staff members, some of which work on the Streets Ahead programme, took part in a volunteer community clear up day at the stadium – clearing debris and cleaning the venue ahead of the event.

As part of the Streets Ahead highways contract in Sheffield, Amey are responsible for upgrading and improving the city’s roads and other street furniture until 2037.

Find out more about the Invictus UK Trials at: www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/visit/invictusuktrialssheffield2019