Three Red Deer Transit bus drivers will behind the wheel at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
They are among 237 bus drivers from across the county who will help drive Whistler Transit buses during the games next month.
“The chance to go is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said driver Josh Soley, 24, who was one of the lucky local drivers.
About 15 drivers volunteered for duty and three were randomly picked in October.
Emily Wynnyk and Mirsad Kalac will also be driving Whistler buses. All three leave today and start training on Thursday.
Drivers volunteered to participate, but accommodations are paid for and they will be receive a salary.
Whistler is the site of cross-country, biathlon, nordic combined, and ski jumping events.
Soley is an avid skier, but hockey is still his favourite sport. He doesn’t have tickets for any events and hopes Canada’s hockey teams won’t compete when he’s working.
Joel Trudell, operations and maintenance manager at Whistler Transit, said there’s still a chance drivers will be able to stay tuned to Olympic action while on duty.
“We don’t have anything at this point, but we’re working on it,” Trudell said.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com