British Columbians named Paralympian Lauren Woolstencroft “BC’s best” in a public online vote for Sport BC’s Best of BC Award presented by the City of Richmond.
Olympic gold medalists Maëlle Ricker, Ashleigh McIvor and Duncan Keith, and NCAA softball standout Danielle Lawrie were also finalists for the award, which recognizes a professional or amateur athlete for outstanding athletic achievement.
In three Paralympic Winter Games (2002, 2006, 2010) Woolstencroft won eight gold medals, one silver, and one bronze in Para-Alpine Skiing events.
At the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, she became the first Canadian winter Paralympian to win five gold medals at a single Games, and was subsequently named Canada’s flag bearer for the closing ceremonies.
“Lauren’s performance at the 2010 Paralympic Games in front of the home crowd made us all proud to be Canadian,” said Tim Gayda, President and CEO of Sport BC. “The result of this public vote is a tribute to both her unparalleled success at the 2010 Paralympic Games, and the awareness she raised for the Paralympic movement and the sport of para-alpine skiing through her amazing performance.”
“The City of Richmond congratulates Lauren on being voted the Best of BC by the people of this province,” says Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Her accomplishments, along with those of every other nominee in this award category, provide inspiration to athletes of all levels.
They are great role models who show what can be achieved with skill, hard work, dedication and passion.”
This is the first year the public has determined the Best of BC award winner, chosen in previous years by the Athlete of the Year Selection Committee.
First awarded in 1992 to Larry Walker (Baseball), previous recipients have also included Justin Morneau (Baseball – 2008, 2006), Steve Nash (Basketball – 2006, 2005, 2002 & 2000), and Mitch Berger (Football – 2010).
Woolstencroft will receive the Best of BC award on Thursday, February 24 at Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS. For more information and to view the finalists in all 17 award categories, visit SportBC.com.
About Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS:
Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest-standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 17 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers based on their performance and contribution to sport in the province.
For a list of previous award winners and for further information on the 45th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit SportBC.com
Thanks to
Jessica Doherty
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Sport BC
(604) 333-3422
