Game On! Cast Members Celebrate 27 Years of the Annual In-Service Open Challenge
With colorful signs and cardboard cutouts in tow, hundreds of Cast Members rallied at Typhoon Lagoon last month to cheer on Walt Disney World and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort lifeguards as they showed off their lifeguarding and safety skills in the 27th annual In-Service Open Challenge!
“I love seeing people from all different regions come out and be together. You see people you haven’t seen in years and it’s just nice to be together,” says one spectating Cast Member.
“Watching everyone train has been amazing, so it’s nice to see it all in action and see what they’ve worked so hard for,” says another.
In addition to the talented lifeguards competing for victory, dozens of Cast Members made up the incredible workforce that helped run the event the night of. Runners assisted lifeguard teams throughout the competition; meanwhile, Guests in Distress performed their hearts out during safety scenarios.
“I’ve come to support my region each year, but this is my first time being a [Guest in Distress] and working the event,” says one Recreation Cast Member. “It’s so much fun, especially getting to be with my team, the people I work with, and be able to support them.”
Another Cast Member, who has been a part of ISOC since it began 27 years ago, tells us why she keeps coming back every year. “Competition, number one, but it’s also a big morale booster. We’re all family here, so it’s got that fun element to it.”
We are also so appreciative of the hard work the ISOC Committee, who planned and executed this event from start to finish, has put into supporting their Cast Members across the Walt Disney World Resort, ensuring that the lifeguards and supporting Cast Members have a wonderful and safe night celebrating each other.
Whitney, a member of the ISOC Committee, and a former coach and ISOC participant, recalls what makes ISOC so special. “It’s a really nice way for recreation [Cast Members] to showcase their skills. And even if they’re not participating, they are out here cheering on their region, and it’s just a really awesome way that all the regions come together and have fun with each other.”
Alyssa Ngo 