Canadian Parlaympic Committee recognizes contribution of Paralympic Golden
Girl Lauren Woolstencroft

OTTAWA, June 18 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Paralympic Committee would like to acknowledge Lauren Woolstencroft's significant contribution to Paralympic sport. As one of Canada's most decorated Paralympic athletes, Lauren's impact is far reaching. Not only was she instrumental in the successful performance of the Canada Paralympic Team during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games, she also helped to raise awareness of the incredible athleticism of Paralympians and the opportunities that are available within sport for people with disabilities.

Known as the Paralympic Winter Games "Golden Girl," Lauren Woolstencroft is a three-time Paralympic skier with eight gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. At Vancouver 2010, Lauren became the first Canadian winter Paralympian to win five gold medals at a single Games.

"On behalf of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the whole Paralympic community, we would like to sincerely thank Lauren for raising the profile of the Paralympic Movement in Canada," said Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "Lauren is both an incredible athlete and a phenomenal person. We congratulate her on her successful career in sport and we wish her every success in the future."

In her 12 years of competing in Para-Alpine skiing, Lauren has been an exemplary role model. Her athletic achievements have inspired all Canadians and have changed attitudes towards people with a disability participating in recreational and high-performance sport.

Born without legs below the knee and no left arm below the elbow, Lauren competes in the standing category. She started skiing in Whitefish, Montana on family ski holidays at the age of four. At 14 years old, Lauren began racing with the Alberta Disabled Ski Team, and first represented Canada at the Salt Lake City 2002 Paralympic Winter Games. She has been a member of the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team (CPAST) since 1998 and has won over 50 World Cup medals, 8 World Championship titles, and 10 Paralympic medals. Lauren is the 2006 IPC Athlete of the Year. Off the ski slopes, she is an electrical engineer with British Columbia Hydro. Originally from Calgary, she now resides in North Vancouver.

"Thanks to Lauren's performance and the success of the entire Canadian Paralympic Team, the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games has left a legacy of increased awareness and additional funding that will help to ensure Canada continues to produce Paralympic champions like Lauren," states Carla Qualtrough, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "We're grateful to Lauren for being such a strong ambassador for Paralympic sport and we look forward to working with her in the future to encourage future generations to be involved in sport at all levels."

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee ("the CPC") is a non-profit, private organisation with 43 member sports organisations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The CPC is responsible for creating an optimal high-performance environment for Canadian Paralympic athletes to win at Paralympic and ParaPanAmerican Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the CPC inspires all Canadians with a physical disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organisations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)

For further information: For further information: Marie-Helénè Cayer, Media Relations, Canadian Paralympic Committee, (613) 569-4333 x227, mcayer@paralympic.ca