Hundreds of sports fans packed the town of Banff on Saturday for a massive block party thrown in honour of Canadian athletes heading to Sochi for the Winter Olympic Games.

The Molson Canadian Block Party, which included musical performances by Canadian bands The Arkells and The Sheepdogs, was an opportunity for fans to send off their favourite athletes before they begin their journey to Sochi next month.

Canadian flags waved high against the scenic backdrop of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains as fans showed their support for Canadian athletes, including the women’s hockey team and members of the men’s and women’s curling team.

Janey Heffer, who won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games as part of the Canadian women’s hockey team, said she was grateful for the support of die-hard Canadian fans.

“We know we feel that wave of support with us when we head to Sochi. We know that it’s not home games like in Vancouver, but Canadians are cheering and we definitely feel that,” she told CTV Alberta.

Jennifer Jones, a member of the women’s curling team, said the support of fans was a nice confidence boost for athletes before the Games.

“It’s fantastic, just the energy. It’s a reminder of how many Canadians are behind you,” Jones said.

Canadian fans seem confident they’re Olympic heroes will bring home the gold.

“We’re dominating because we’re so passionate about the game. We start playing when we’re kids,” said one fan in attendance.

Curling gold medalist Brad Jacobs said athletes are well aware of the high expectation placed on Team Canada at Sochi.

“That’s definitely the goal, we’re going for one colour – gold,” he said.

With a report from CTV Alberta’s Janet Dirks.