Banff Rocks Out with The Sheepdogs and Arkells
BANFF – SPORTS – Getting ready for the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi Russia is physical, and mental. Getting the mental toughness and building the national pride, along with having a lot of fun was on the menu in Banff Alberta on Saturday night.
The Olympians were the guests of honour at a block party with over 5,000 fans that took over downtown Banff.
“Any day we gather this many athletes and Olympians to celebrate our country’s Olympic spirit is a positive day,” added Steve Podborski, Canada’s Chef de Mission for Sochi 2014. “We have many great sport moments to remember and commend, and so many more to look forward to, from this fantastic group of athletes heading to Sochi. I am so proud to be leading this Olympic Team.”
Two of Canada’s coolest musical talents, The Sheepdogs and Arkells belted out their hits to close to 5000 screaming fans as the Canadian Olympic Team took over downtown Banff in the heart of the village for a massive winter block party to honour the Canadian athletes heading to Sochi for the 2014 Olympic Games.
The Molson Canadian Block Party, presented by Hilton HHonors was an opportunity to cheer on more than 30 athletes from across Canada who will represent our country in Sochi. Approximately 20 other Olympians, who participated in previous Olympic Games were also on hand.
“Having the opportunity to meet so many Canadian fans and various other athletes from other disciplines makes this all very real for me,” said Jennifer Jones, Skip, Canada’s Women’s Olympic Curling Team. “You hear so many stories from other athletes about how powerful it feels to be able to represent Canada internationally, and today is a reminder for us athletes that when we head over to Sochi, we’ll have a nation of supporters cheering us on.”
In addition to the concert and appearances by Canadian Olympic heroes, festivities included autograph signings with Olympians and Olympic hopefuls, as well as free giveaways and participation by a variety of official Canadian Olympic Team partners.
“Since Vancouver, the Olympic movement in Canada has thrived in ways we never thought possible, and the relationship between Canadians and their athletes has grown stronger and more involved,” said Christopher Overholt, Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer. “Today is about celebrating that relationship, sending our athletes off to Sochi in style and enjoying a fantastic show in the process.”
The Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games take place from February 7-23, where Canada has set a goal of contending for the top spot in overall medals won.
