The Jamaican Bobsled team didn't qualify to compete in the 2006 Torino Olympics, But they insist they could be a contender come 2010 when Whistler and Vancouver play host to the Winter Games.

That's something the village of Pemberton wants too. Located about a half hour north of Whistler, there is fear that little attention will be paid to Pemberton when the Olympics roll in. So the two underdogs are joining forces in hopes of glory.

Pemberton Entrepreneur Ian Porter is extending an early invitation to the Jamaican Bobsled team, offering free accommodation at his Pemberton lodge over the next 15 months.

"Right now, we've committed that we will look after them from here till the end of the games,'' said Porter.

Theirs was one of the most memorable stories to come out of Calgary's Olympics in 1988. Inspiring the major motion picture Cool Runnings, not to mention millions of fans, who followed the Jamaican Bobsled team's struggle to compete in the Winter Olympics.

It was an accomplishment that was achieved with Canada's help, according to members of the original team.

"I think ever since 1988 we have had a love affair with Canada,'' said Devon Harris, the team's original captain.

Now the Jamaican Bobsled team loves Pemberton.

This is a godsend for us that Pemberton is willing to do this for us and hopefully we can reciprocate their kindness in some way by bringing exposure to the town,'' Harris said.

That's the idea, to put a new spin on an old story, and put Pemberton on the map.

"Obviously the JBT is well known and there will be some press coverage, and hopefully that spins off to have some benefits for the village and the area,'' said Porter.

There is talk of getting local businesses on board to feed and transport the athletes.

"This about us, it's about the community, about hosting people, about the real spirit of the Olympics,'' said Pemberton Mayor Jordan Sturdy.

Local residents are already feeling the Jamaican vibe.

"They have given the world a lot of good times, and some laughter and some good quality products come from that country,'' said Cole Ferguson, a Pemberton resident.

If all goes as planned, the Jamaican team could arrive in Pemberton as soon as December. All they need now are assurances that they will be able to train on the Olympic sliding track.

That something that could be confirmed within days, allowing people in the area the chance to share the Olympic spotlight, instead of simply living in whistlers shadow.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Sarah Galashan