Tommy Ling of Charlottetown releases the ball during bocce action prior to the 2026 Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games. Ling is competing in the sport as a member of Team P.E.I. at this week’s games in Medicine Hat, Alta. ContributedArticle contentThe 2026 Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games is providing a special opportunity for a P.E.I. athlete and his coach.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentTommy Ling of Charlottetown is competing in bocce this week in Medicine Hat, Alta., and is coached by his sister, Lynda Hontscharowicz.Article contentArticle content“I am honoured to have been picked to coach bocce (at the national summer games),” said Hontscharowicz in a recent phone interview with The Guardian.Article contentArticle contentHontscharowicz added it means a lot to be able to work with her brother, and one advantage is their familiarity with each other.Article contentLing and Hontscharowicz are no strangers to Special Olympics P.E.I. Ling has competed with the provincial association since 2010 and is representing P.E.I. at a national games for the sixth time. Hontscharowicz has been volunteering as a bocce coach for approximately eight years.Article contentAt age 63, Ling is the oldest P.E.I. athlete at this year’s National Summer Games. But he’s showing no signs of slowing down and has also competed in cross-country skiing, bowling and track and field.Article content“Since I started (competing in Special Olympics), it’s been fun; meeting new people, and talking to my old friends,” said Ling, who has also enjoyed international success.Article contentLing won a silver medal in the 100-metre cross-country skiing event as a member of Team Canada at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.Article contentFond memoriesArticle contentLing has many fond memories of his experience with Team Canada.Article contentArticle content“It was fun being there and meeting up with new athletes and getting to know them and my roommates,” said Ling. “The more I talked to them, the more I got to know them a little more.”Article contentArticle contentNow Ling and his teammates are hoping to enjoy success at the national summer games. Asked what are keys for athletes competing in bocce, Ling answered, “Focus really hard… and concentrate.”Article content Members of the P.E.I. bocce team competing at this week’s 2026 Special Olympics National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta., are, front row, from left: Rolanda Bridges and Michaelle O’Hanley. Back row, from left: Lynda Hontscharowicz (coach), Ryan MacNeill and Tommy Ling. Special Olympics P.E.I. Photo by LOUISE VESSEY/Special Olympics P.E.I. /The GuardianArticle contentLing, Ryan MacNeill of Cornwall; Michelle O’Hanley of Stratford, and Rolanda Bridges of Charlottetown comprise Team P.E.I.’s bocce team.Article content“I have four great athletes for bocce,” said Hontscharowicz. “They dedicated their time; they’ve never missed a practice; when they’re there, they’re listening… and they wholeheartedly committed themselves to this training and bocce. There are no arguments from any of them. We tell them, ‘We are going to practise on this day,’ and they are like, ‘OK, let’s do this!’”Article contentBoth Ling and Hontscharowicz describe Special Olympics a very supportive community.
Brother, sister team up with P.E.I.s bocce team at Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games
