President Catherine Connolly presented Gaisce Gold Awards to 50 young people from around Ireland at a ceremony in Dublin.
The event marked the 40th anniversary of Gaisce - The President’s Award, which honours the remarkable contribution young people make to society through their commitment, resilience and personal development.
Speaking at the event, President Connolly said of the awardees: "Each of their individual stories reminds us of the immense potential that lies within each and every one of us, no matter our circumstances."
"Sometimes we talk about the future leaders but these people are already leaders in their schools and communities," Áine Kerr, Chair of Gaisce told RTÉ News.
This year's awardees dedicated themselves to a wide range of skills and challenges including learning the harp, researching cancer cells, volunteering in care homes, conservation initiatives, and sports coaching.
They embarked on adventures like hiking Irish and international tracks and trails, as well as exploring their leadership and relationship building abilities across all aspects of their award experiences.
23-year-old Nazia Rafiq from Blanchardstown in Dublin spent the last six years working to achieve the Gaisce Gold Award.
"I learned that I'm much more resilient than i thought I’d ever be. I learned a lot about commitment and dedication and the importance of setting goals," she said.
Sarah Malone from Co Offaly also received her award. Ms Malone has cerebral palsy and hopes her experience "encourages other young people with disabilities to highlight their abilities".
"You find different areas you can do, rather than what you can't do. I can’t physically walk but I can do other stuff like cooking," she explained.
Since it was founded in 1985, more than 520,000 young people have registered for a Gaisce Award.
