Police cordon off a large area near Pacific Spirit Regional Park after a woman's body was found Friday afternoon. (CBC)

CBC News has confirmed that a woman found slain in a park near the University of British Columbia on Friday was Wendy Ladner-Beaudry, co-chairwoman of the BC Games Society and mother of two girls.

Ladner-Beaudry is also the sister of former mayoral candidate Peter Ladner.

Frank Lento, co-chairman of the BC Games Society, said Ladner-Beaudry worked tirelessly promoting amateur sport in the province.

"She was an outstanding, unbelievable lady with a passion for sport and the youth of our province," he said.

"Not only is she gonna be missed here by the youth of the BC Games [Society], but the entire province for the passion that she brought."

Hikers discovered Ladner-Beaudry's body at about 2:45 p.m. Friday near Pacific Spirit Regional Park, close to SW Marine Drive and Camosun Street.

Police did not release Ladner-Beaudry's name but they confirmed foul play and said the attack may have been random. The cause of death was not released.

The Lower Mainland's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has been brought in to investigate.

RCMP Cpl. Peter Thiessen cautioned the public to be vigilant after the attack, saying people using trails in the area should do so with a companion and should avoid wearing headphones, which block out outdoor sounds.

Thiessen also advised trail-goers to carry a whistle or battery-powered personal alarm.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park comprises 763 hectares of forest land.

With files from the Canadian Press