Richard Sailer volunteers as a speedskating lap recorder at Calgary's Olympic Oval. (CBC)A Calgary man who is disabled and on social assistance will be heading to the Vancouver Olympics as a speedskating lap recorder.

Richard Sailer has had multiple sclerosis for much of his life, and now needs a walker or scooter to get around.

"This has been a big barrier for me to overcome. It's been an uphill climb for me," he said.

"I just can't believe I have this opportunity to go to Vancouver and go to the Olympics."

Four years ago, Sailer began volunteering as a speedskating lap recorder at Calgary's Olympic Oval. He lets the athletes know how far they have gone and rings a bell to indicate the final lap.

Sailer has always wanted to experience the Olympics in person, but figured as someone on Alberta's Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program, he couldn't afford the trip.

"I've always dreamed about the Olympics, and enjoyed watching them on TV and dreamed about how neat it would be to go, but I just figured it would never happen for me because being on disability, I didn't think I could ever afford to do something like that."

Still, he applied to be a technical official at the Vancouver Games this month, going through two rigorous interviews and testing at a World Cup event. Because it's a volunteer position, Sailer's trip is being paid by a number of sponsors, including friends, family and a former Olympian who wishes to remain anonymous.

So when the best speedskaters in the world compete for gold this month, Sailer says he will be right where he has always wanted to be: "Down at ice level just 50 metres up from the finish line."