FAQs
What is the Be The Arrow – Gaisce 40th Anniversary Challenge?
The Be The Arrow Challenge is a nationwide call to action to celebrate 40 years of Gaisce – The President’s Award. We’re inviting people of all ages to take on a personal challenge during the month of May 2025, just like the young people who participate in Gaisce. Whether it’s a physical, skills, or volunteering challenge, this is your chance to challenge yourself and be part of something bigger.
Who can take part?
Absolutely everyone! The challenge is open to individuals, families, workplaces, schools, sports clubs, and community groups across Ireland. Whether you’ve done Gaisce before or you’re completely new to it, this is your opportunity to take on a challenge and earn a special commemorative Gaisce Certificate. If you are registering as a workplace, community group, family or school, please ensure every individual registers so that we can send you your challenge certificate from the President of Ireland
What is the fee to join?
There is no fee to take part in the challenge. This helps support the campaign and ensures that everyone who completes their challenge receives a Gaisce 40th Anniversary Certificate.
If you’re planning on fundraising, why not donate €5 to yourself to get yourself started!
Where does my fundraising money go towards?
Your fundraising monies go to the Gaisce Bursary Fund, which helps young people facing marginalisation or disadvantage access the Gaisce Award. By raising funds, you’re helping to empower the next generation to take on their own Gaisce journey.
How do I sign up?
Signing up is easy! Click on the Register button and complete the registration form.
When does the challenge take place?
The challenge runs for the full month of May 2025. You can take part at any time from the 1-31 during this period, whether it’s a one-day challenge or something you work on throughout the month.
Challenge Questions
What kind of challenge can I do?
You can choose from three categories, just like in the Gaisce Award:
- 🤝 Volunteering Challenge – Give back by helping others, fundraising, mentoring, or doing a community clean-up.
- 🏃 Physical Challenge – Walk, cycle, swim, hike, or do any activity that gets you moving.
- 🧠 Skills Challenge – Learn a new skill like playing an instrument, baking, public speaking, or even a new language.
If you need inspiration, check out our Challenge Ideas page!
Can I take part as a group?
Yes! You can do the challenge solo or as a group with your family, friends, school, workplace, sports team, or community group. If you’re taking part as a group, you can each choose an individual challenge or take on a shared challenge together.
Do I have to complete my challenge in one day?
No, you can do your challenge over the course of a day, a week, or the entire month of May. The key is to push yourself and step outside your comfort zone!
What happens once I complete my challenge?
Once you’ve completed your challenge, you’ll receive a special Gaisce Certificate to recognise your achievement. If you’ve raised €100 or more, you’ll also receive a limited-edition Gaisce 40th Anniversary T-shirt.
Fundraising & Donations
Do I have to fundraise to take part?
No, fundraising is completely optional. However, if you’d like to raise funds for the Gaisce Bursary Fund, you can make an even bigger impact. This fund helps young people experiencing marginalisation or disadvantage to access the Gaisce Award.
How do I raise money for the Gaisce Bursary Fund?
Once you sign up, you’ll have the option to set up a fundraising page and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to support your challenge.
What do I get if I raise €100 or more?
Anyone who raises €100 or more will receive a commemorative Gaisce 40th Anniversary T-shirt, in addition to their Gaisce Certificate.
Social Media & Sharing Your Challenge
How can I share my challenge on social media?
We encourage everyone to document and share their journey! Use the hashtag #BeTheArrow and tag @GaisceAward on social media to inspire others to take part.
Is there a TikTok challenge?
Yes! Take part in the #BeTheArrow TikTok Challenge by filming your before & after progress, tagging three friends, and encouraging them to join in. You can also take part in the “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” trend if you were a past Gaisce participant.
Workplace, School & Family Participation
If you are registering as a workplace, community group, family or school, please ensure every individual registers so that we can send you your challenge certificate from the President of Ireland
Can my workplace take part?
Yes! Workplaces can take on a team challenge, organise a fundraising activity, or encourage staff to take part individually. Find out more about workplace challenges here.
How can schools get involved?
Schools can register classes or entire year groups to take part. Whether it’s a class-wide volunteering challenge or a fitness challenge, students and teachers can get involved together. Find out more about school participation here.
Can families take part together?
Absolutely! Families can create a shared challenge (e.g., a family hiking goal, a daily gratitude challenge, or a skill-sharing challenge). Check out our family challenge ideas here.
Other Questions
I did Gaisce years ago—can I still take part?
Yes! If you missed out on doing Gaisce in school or want to reconnect with the experience, this is your chance. You’ll earn a special Gaisce Certificate at the end.
How does this connect to the Gaisce Award?
The Be The Arrow Challenge is inspired by Gaisce – The President’s Award, which has helped young people in Ireland develop their skills and confidence for 40 years. This anniversary challenge opens up the Gaisce experience to everyone, no matter their age.
Where can I find more information?
Follow us on social media @GaisceAward to stay updated.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
