'Young people aren't problems to be solved' (30 photos)

Craig Kielburger began his career as a children's rights activist when he was just 12 years old, co-founding Free the Children and the Me to We movement as a result.

He was one of a number of inspirational guest speakers today as 5,300 students from across the region gathered for the first ever We Day-style youth empowerment event, #youthesoo.

Presented by the Algoma Arts Festival Association in cooperation with the Algoma District School Board and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, #youthesoo set out to remind students that they're never too young to have a positive impact in their community and abroad.

"The local community here has been sending students to We Day over the past five years, and now they're bringing the team and the energy [here]," Kielburger told media during a press conference earlier today. "We're coming to the Sault because we've heard how amazing the students are here - their enthusiasm, their passion for service - and we want to celebrate them right here for the awesome work that they do."

"#youthesoo shows that here, people believe in youth. They want to support youth, challenge youth," he continued. "[They are] saying: 'Young people aren't problems to be solved. Young people are problem solvers.' And they're making a bet that young people across Sault Ste. Marie are a force for good across this entire region. When given the opportunity, they will inspire and make their community proud."

Algoma Arts Festival Association President Donna Hilsinger said the students of Sault Ste. Marie were looking to gather and be inspired, but they wanted to hear from the day's guests firsthand in their own community.

"We want these students to find their passion, and we want them to turn that passion into action," Hilsinger said.

Hosted by Make Your Mark founder Katie Zeppieri, today's three-hour event included performances from DJ Seith, Killabeatz, Conika, The O'Schraves, Dion and Logan Syrette, Mustafa Ahmed, and JRDN, and guest appearances by Algoma University Chancellor Shirley Horn, Mayor Christian Provenzano, Adam Proulx and Zohoyus, Corey Cook, Mac and BJ Marcoux, and Brad Jacobs.

Both Kielburger and Spencer West delivered keynote addresses to thunderous applause.

West, who lost both legs at age 5, has traveled the globe inspiring minds and filling stadiums, encouraging everyone within earshot to overcome adversity and empower others.

In 2012, climbing with only his hands and sometimes using a wheelchair, he summited Mount Kilimanjaro.

"There's a generation of kids that are looking outside of themselves and how they can make a difference both locally and globally," West said. "Being a part of that is always one of my favourite parts of this job."

To find out more about the Me to We movement, please click here.

For more information about #youthesoo, please click here.

(PHOTO: Craig Kielburger gives an inspiring talk during the #youthesoo youth empowerment event at the Essar Centre on Thursday, May 14, 2015. Donna Hopper/SooToday)