Gaisce, The Presidents Award, is Irelands National Challenge Award for young people between the ages of 15 and 25 and is the country’s most prestigious and respected Award programme, contributing to the development of young people through the achievement of personal challenges.

This year, RACE trainees will participate in the scheme for the first time and will strive to earn a Bronze award during the course of their training programme by meeting personal achievement goals in four areas: Personal Skill, Physical Recreation, Community Involvement and Adventure Journey. Each of the thirty trainees will select their personal goals and commit a minimum of one hour per week over a period of thirteen weeks to achieving them. In addition, they will be required to work as a team on the planning, preparation and undertaking of a two-day adventure journey involving hiking 35km or cycling 110km.

President Mary McAleese is a strong supporter of the Irish thoroughbred racing and breeding industries and indicated her desire for the Gaisce award to be introduced in this field. According to RACE Director Keith Rowe, the President’s Award “is a natural fit for the personal development activities already undertaken with trainees and it will represent an added bonus for those who successfully complete the programme. In addition to their FETAC and FAS qualifications, a Gaisce award adds an extra dimension to any young person’s CV”.

Gaisce Chief Executive Barney Callaghan with RACE staff at the initial planning session for the introduction of the award.