A Birmingham company has used reclaimed material from the Commonwealth Games – including dismantled gym floors – to create unique presentation boxes for special thank you gifts to each of the 72 countries and territories who took part.
Representatives from these nations and territories have received giant ‘pin badges’ bearing their own flag which had been on show in Centenary Square during the Games.
A special commemorative ceremony was held in Birmingham, which hosted the Games over the summer, and the badges were presented on behalf of the people of Birmingham.
They were displayed in special boxes, measuring around one metre square, made by Nechells-based Birmingham Case Makers Ltd from reclaimed materials including beech flooring and plywood walling that still bears the tape used to mark out sports courts for the Games.
Managing director Shaun Adams said: “This is such a fitting legacy, a little piece of Commonwealth Games history that we have been able to preserve.
“These materials were actually part of the games, giving the cases the ultimate provenance, and this is a legacy that will live on.”
Shaun said the presentation boxes were deliberately being left in their ‘raw state’, showing the taped court markings to highlight the origin of the materials.
“We didn’t want to disguise it or tidy it up too much,” he said. “Otherwise, it could just be made from anything.”
Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The Commonwealth Games were a huge part of Birmingham’s Golden Decade of Opportunity – which is exactly why we, as the Proud Host City, want to thank all of the competing nations and territories for the huge part they played in what many say were best Games ever.
“It is also really pleasing that a local firm has been able to benefit through this gifting idea. The presentation cases look stunning and are an innovative way of ensuring the sustainability of the Games is extended in a novel and creative way.”
Birmingham Case Makers also made the boxes for the medals that were handed out to athletes at the Games and Shaun said he was delighted to have been able to play a part in the city’s history.
“I am so proud of our home city and our team here. To be associated with the Games is such a privilege,” he added.
Shaun said he was also keen to use and support other local businesses as suppliers to ensure the cases were 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Birmingham Case Makers, in Great Lister Street, was once one of around 30 specialist case-making companies in the city, but many folded in the face of cheaper competition from overseas and the business is now among the last of its kind.
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