Humboldt was a sea of green Sunday as hundreds of people enjoyed a special visit from the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Riders held a practice, followed by autograph signings and a community barbeque, in the community as a show of support following the Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6.

Sixteen people died and 13 others were injured when the bus carrying the junior hockey team to a playoff game in Nipawin and a semi-trailer collided.

The Riders were greeted with applause and cheering from the large crowd Sunday, where it quickly became evident the support was mutual.

Fans of all ages lined up along the field in the sun wearing Rider jerseys and Broncos hats.

People smiled as they swarmed the field for autographs, with large groups forming around quarterbacks Zach Collaros and Brandon Bridge.

Fans also gathered around Broncos crash survivor Kaleb Dahlgren, who added his signature to jerseys.

“They understand what we went through, and to have them come here and talk to us and meet us, it means a lot,” Dahlgren told 650 CKOM.

“Their support has been phenomenal and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Broncos president Kevin Garinger spoke with media at the event, saying the Riders support reinforces the community is not alone.

“We realize that people are with us, they’re here to support us,” he said.

“Knowing that those people are there for us has just allowed the healing process … to happen more quickly.”

Rider receiver Naaman Roosevelt tweeted, “This touched my soul today. I had an awesome time in this great community of Humboldt.”