Gaisce – The President’s Award is celebrating 40 years of empowering young people across Ireland with the launch of the Be The Arrow – Gaisce 40th Anniversary Challenge, inviting people of all ages to take on a personal challenge during May 2025.

Inspired by President Michael D. Higgins’ inaugural speech in 2011, where he urged young people to “be the arrow, not the target”, Gaisce is calling on individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities to set a challenge, push themselves, and make a difference—just as thousands of young people have done through the Gaisce Award over the past four decades.

A Challenge for Everyone – And a Special Reward
Perhaps you missed out on doing Gaisce in school. Maybe the Award didn’t exist when you were younger? Or maybe you simply want to challenge yourself with purpose?  Maybe you’re a PAL and would like the chance to be able to do a challenge.  Maybe someone you know is doing Gaisce, and you want to join them? Whatever your reason, the Be The Arrow challenge is the perfect fit.

Participants can choose from:
A Volunteering Challenge – Give back to a cause, support your community with a clean-up, or give your time or expertise to your local charity.

A Physical Challenge – Walk, cycle, hike, swim, or take on a fitness goal.
A Skills Challenge – Learn something new, from painting to public speaking, sign language or a foreign language.

No matter the challenge, everyone who participates and completes it will receive a a digital Gaisce Challenge Certificate from President Michael D. Higgins

Sign-up for free
Everyone can sign up for free at www.bethearrow.ie. Those who raise €100 or more for the Gaisce SUAS Bursary Fund will also receive a commemorative 40th Anniversary Gaisce T-shirt. The fund helps young people from marginalised backgrounds access the Gaisce Award programme, ensuring that opportunity is open to all.

Be part of something special this May and Be The Arrow!