Medals packaged for Winter World University Games after Lake Placid 2023 deal

Medals are being packaged in preparation for next year’s International University Sports Federation (FISU) Winter World University Games in Lake Placid.

Employees at Rochester Rehabilitation Center have started packaging the first delivery of an expected 700 New York-made medals.

Rochester Rehabilitation Center and Flour City Crafty Company, the designer and creator of the custom-made wooden boxes for the medals, have secured a partnership with the Lake Placid 2023 Organising Committee.

"The Organising Committee is deeply honoured to work with top partners all over New York state and especially with our friends at Rochester Rehabilitation Center and Flour City Craft Company," said Ashley Walden, executive director for Lake Placid 2023.

"The quality and craftmanship represent the best that New York has to offer.

"The boxes will keep the medals safe on their journey home and for years to come."

Around 1,500 athletes from 50 countries and 600 universities are set to compete in 12 sports and 86 medal events during the Winter World University Games.

"The opportunity to play a critical role in the supply chain for these beautiful medals is unique and exciting for our team at Rochester Rehabilitation," said Matt Boatfield, President and chief executive of the Rochester Rehabilitation Center.

"Since our founding, the focus of Rochester Rehabilitation has been providing our workforce with inclusive opportunities in work, wellness and independence.

"I can’t imagine a better way to achieve all three than by empowering our employees with and without disabilities to send these podium medals to their final destination in Lake Placid - where they will be used to reward some of the highest possible levels of human achievement in sport."

Alex Elkins, co-founder of the Flour City Craft Company, added: "Our workshop is thrilled to play a role in presenting these one-of-a-kind medals to athletes at the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games.

"The boxes are made out of red oak which was regionally sourced and provided by Orleans Millworks.

"Many hours of design, fabrication and finishing have gone into these boxes to make them special for the athletes that are coming to our state from around the world."