The 29-year-old from Calgary in Alberta, who was born missing her left arm below the elbow as well as both legs below the knees, become the first Canadian Winter Paralympian to win five gold medals at a single Games as she dominated the action at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympics.

This year, for the first time since its debut in 1992, the recipient of the Best of B.C. Award was chosen by an online vote.

Woolstencroft claimed the prized ahead of Olympic snowboarding champion Maelle Ricker of West Vancouver, Olympic ski cross gold-medallist Ashleigh McIvor of Whistler, Olympic hockey gold-medallist and Stanley Cup champion Duncan Keith of Penticton and Canadian national softball team pitcher Danielle Lawrie of Langley who dominated with the NCAA's University of Washington Huskies.

"I always find that these awards, especially the fan, people's choice ones are pretty cool," said Woolstencroft, who announced her retirement from elite Paralympic sport shortly after Vancouver 2010

"It's a pretty impressive group of finalists and it means a lot, for sure.

"This year's nominees and the past winners are pretty incredible athletes so to be included amongst them is amazing.

"I also think I'm the first Paralympian to win it, so that's obviously a huge honour.

"I was really impressed with the response we got last year out of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games.

"I think VANOC (the Vancouver 2010 Organising Committee) did a really good job of setting the stage for us and I think the media did a good job of covering our Games and covering it in the right way.

"I think people really took to it and this shows how many people enjoyed it and we're excited by it.

"I think that showed in the votes.

"It shows the sport is moving in the right direction and getting a lot of recognition."

Tim Gayda, President and chief executive of Sport BC, praised Woolstencroft's performance at the Vancouver 2010 Games as the Paralympic star also picked up the Athlete with a Disability Award at the ceremony.

"Lauren's performance at the 2010 Paralympic Games in front of the home crowd made us all proud to be Canadian," said Gayda.

"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."

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie added: "The City of Richmond congratulates Lauren on being voted the Best of BC by the people of this province.

"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."

In previous years the winner of the Best of BC Award has been chosen by the Athlete of the Year Selection Committee rather than the public.

The first award in 1992 to went to baseball star Larry Walker, while previous winners include basketball legend Steve Nash and football icon Mitch Berger.

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