Join Gaisce’s 40th Anniversary ‘Be The Arrow’ Challenge this May! Inspired by President Michael D. Higgins, celebrate four decades of youth empowerment by setting your own personal goal.
[Dublin] President Michael D. Higgins is inviting Irish people to mark the significant impact Gaisce has had over 40 years.
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 or group challenge during May 2025.
Today, a group of well-known faces joined Gaisce at An Post to launch ‘Be The Arrow’ and unveil a Gaisce 40 postmark, which will feature on all standard letters from An Post between May 12th and 25th.
- Maria Walsh MEP
- Bernard Jackman, Rugby Player
- Sonya Lennon, TV Presenter and Fashion Designer
- Jim Gavin, Record-Breaking Dublin Gaelic Football Manager, Leadership Expert & Motivational Speaker
- Marissa Carter, Entrepreneur
- Áine Ní Gallachóir, Gaeilgoir Influencer
- Majella Killeen, first Gaisce Gold Award recipient
- Áine Kerr, RTE and Gaisce Chairperson
Over half a million young people have participated in Gaisce since its inception in 1985, a sign of its impact and relevance, with almost 27,000 Gaisce recipients being awarded in 2024 alone, the highest number since the programme began in 1985.
‘Be The Arrow’ is inspired by President 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.
“As Patron of Gaisce, may I offer my best wishes to all those who will be participating in ‘Be the Arrow’ this May”, said President Higgins.
The impact of Gaisce
Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce – The President’s Award, says that for four decades, Gaisce has been dedicated to inspiring young people aged 14 to 25 to find purpose, set ambitious personal goals, push their limits, give back to their communities, and embrace adventure.
”We regularly hear from past Gaisce Awardees, and their message is clear – ‘Gaisce guided me at a time in my life when I needed it most’.
“Our ‘Be The Arrow’ challenge invites people of all ages to embrace that same spirit of adventure and achievement – not only to celebrate the impact of the past 40 years, but to help build momentum for the next 40 to ensure young people have every opportunity to fulfil their potential.”
This message is further emphasised by President Higgins.
“Society is strengthened when it supports a diversity of experiences and perspectives. The promotion of an inclusive society is one to which every person can make a valuable contribution.
“Achieving equality is not simply about opportunities for the individual, it is also about how we change our spaces and our systems to ensure they actively drive and encourage inclusion.”
A Challenge for everyone and a certificate from the President
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 someone in your life 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:
1. 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.
OR
2. A Physical Challenge – Walk, cycle, hike, swim or take on a fitness goal.
OR
3. A Skills Challenge – Learn something new, from painting to public speaking, sign-language or improving your Irish.
No matter the challenge, everyone who takes part and completes it will receive a commemorative digital Gaisce Challenge Certificate from President Higgins, celebrating their achievement as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations.
Sparking memories and encouraging participation
Anna McHugh, An Post Head of Corporate Communications said commemorating Gaisce is important.
“An Post is delighted to support Gaisce with this special postmark which tells people across Ireland and the world of Gaisce’s 40th anniversary, bringing back happy memories to former Gaisce participants and encouraging more people to get involved this year.
An Post people are getting involved too. “Our work groups and families all around the country will be getting involved with Be The Arrow. It’s a great opportunity to take practical action for the common good in our communities and it perfectly reflects our ‘Making Better Happen’ campaign, showing how An Post makes a difference to Irish life. We wish Gaisce every success in the next 40 years too.”
Sign-up for free, option to fundraise
Participants can sign up for free at www.bethearrow.ie.
You can take your Gaisce challenge to the next level by fundraising for the Gaisce SUAS Bursary Fund, which helps young people facing marginalisation or disadvantage to access the Gaisce Award. Every €100 raised helps one young person to participate in the Gaisce Award. And everyone who raises €100 or more will also receive a commemorative Be The Arrow t-shirt.
Majella Killeen from Galway is our first Gaisce Gold Award recipient. She describes the impact it has had on her. “Reflecting 40 years on, I can honestly say that taking part in Gaisce had a life-long impact. I always recall the words of President Hillery back when I achieved my Gaisce Award, saying that one hour a week can make a huge difference to your life, and that’s definitely true for me. I feel very proud to be here today to mark Gaisce’s 40th anniversary and I encourage everyone to get involved in the special anniversary challenge.”
How to Get Involved
- Sign up now at www.bethearrow.ie
- Take on a personal challenge during May 2025
- Share your journey on social media using #BeTheArrow and tag @Gaisce
- Encourage friends, family, your community or colleagues to join in!
Whether you’re revisiting an opportunity you missed or setting yourself a new challenge, this is your chance to Be The Arrow!
