May 3, 2016 -Mayor Keith Hobbs, along with local youth from Sir Winston Churchill school, officially proclaimed May 1-7 as Youth Week and raised the official flag today at City Hall to kick-off the celebrations.

National Youth Week celebrates the positive contributions that youth make to their communities, their achievements, and their volunteerism.

"Young people are the future of our community, so we continue to support and help them set and pursue their goals," said Mayor Keith Hobbs.  "It is their fresh ideas, energy and creativity that help make Thunder Bay a great place to live and visit."

The week is also designated as National Youth Arts Week, a nation-wide celebration of the creative contributions that youth make to their communities. The City of Thunder Bay and Community Organizations host a number of free or low-cost events. These fun and interactive events are a great way for youth to spend time with friends in a safe, youth-friendly environment and celebrate being a youth in Thunder Bay!

The winners of the Youth Awards were also announced. Recipients of the Leader of Tomorrow Awards included: Maya Fillion (St. Patrick), Jennifer Mascall-Maki (St. Ignatius), Stephanie St. Jaques (LaVerendrye), Miranda Quill (Dennis Franklin Cromarty), Jacqueline Dyck (Hammarskjold), Cassandra Fenlon (Sir Winston Churchill Highschool), Nicole Anderson (Westgate) and Megan Reppard (Superior). Amalia Huston (Sir Winston Churchill elementary) was also presented with her award, by Youth Move Specialists Jayal Chung and Cody Nygard.

"We want youth to know that their contributions to the city are valued and that their talents and skills will help to lead us to a bright future," said Trisha Sandrin, Program Supervisor - Children & Youth for the Recreation & Culture Division. "In honour of these accomplishments, we are providing free and low cost events for youth throughout Youth Week."

Activities include a DIY clinic, twoonie swim at the Complex, sports nights, bowling, rock climbing, Paintball Mountain, a cooking clinic, and a BBQ at our drop-in locations on Saturday to wrap up the week.

For more information, visit the City of Thunder Bay Youth facebook page or: www.youthweektbay.ca

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Contact: Trisha Sandrin, Program Supervisor - Children & Youth, Recreation & Culture Division, 625-2232