Gaisce Adventure Seeker from Offaly takes on Defence Forces Challenge!

Thirty young Gaisce participants from across Ireland participated in four days of hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming and army assault courses last Friday as they took part in the annual Defence Forces Adventure Challenge.

Among the young people taking part was Offaly native Joshua Gill from Tullamore.

The young recruits aged between 15 and 17 were put through their paces by personnel from the 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment of the Defence Forces, who led the Gaisce participants through a host of incredible adventure challenges, training and team-building exercises. The Defence Forces Adventure Challenge shows young people just what they can achieve when they step outside their comfort zone.

“Gaisce – The President’s Award is delighted to partner with the Defence Forces on the 32nd Defence Forces Challenge," said Yvonne McKenna, CEO of Gaisce. "Due to the leadership and generosity of the Defence Forces, 30 Gaisce participants from all over Ireland experienced a unique insight into military life first-hand. These young people pushed themselves to their limits, and in the process, developed skills, built confidence and created friendships and memories to cherish. We congratulate them all on their achievements.”

The once in a lifetime opportunity kicked off for the young people at the Custume Barracks, Athlone before moving to the Curragh, County Kildare and finishing on Friday after the participants completed their final challenge of conquering the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

The young people are all participants in Gaisce – The President’s Award, a self-development programme for young people. Gaisce is the most prestigious youth award in Ireland and is a challenge to young people from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins to dream big and realise your potential.

This unique event has been taking place for 32 years. In order to participate, Gaisce invited participants aged 15-17 to nominate themselves for consideration.