It's been 20 years since Hollywood made them famous, and today they landed in Vancouver for the start of a new Olympic adventure.
The Jamaican bobsled team was greeted by dozens of well wishers after they touched down at the Vancouver International Airport Saturday afternoon. The team is on their way to the tiny town of Pemberton, about half an hour north of Whistler.
They will be the town's guests during their 14 months of training, enjoying free room and board courtesy of local residents.
At the airport, the original team captain, Devon Harris, thanked the town for "extending a hand of friendship."
"Your gesture definitely symbolizes the Olympic spirit," he said. "Sheer pride and shear joy in human athletic talent."
The team's journey was one of the most memorable stories to come out of Calgary's Olympics in 1988, inspiring the major Disney 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 Harris.
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.
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.
Pemberton is holding a welcome party for the team. Watch CTV British Columbia at 6 p.m. Sunday for the full story.
