Meet Team PEI 2026 Softball athlete, Kayla Bingley

Growing up, sport was an important part of Kayla’s life. She played softball and bowling, both on neurotypical, or generic, teams. Kayla had troubles connecting with others on her teams, so she joined Special Olympics to better connect with her peers.

The last year has been one of great loss, change, and challenge for Kayla.  Last year Kayla lost both of her parents and her aunt in a tragic car accident ahead of Provincial Games.  Despite the tragedy, Special Olympics has been a bright sport in Kayla’s life.  Her involvement with Special Olympics, combined with the support of her family, friends, and community, has helped Kayla to overcome and navigate the challenges of loss. 

Looking ahead to the Special Olympics Canada Games, Kayla is excited about the entire experience. Being her first SOC Games, Kayla also shares that she is a bit nervous, especially about not knowing what to expect. She says that her goals are to do her best, and to have fun.

To prepare for Games, Kayla is training in softball 2 nights a week, and also attending Synergy Fitness.  At her Team PEI softball practices, the team is working on skills, while also doing some teaching games so that the coaches can teach more individual skills, like the correct way to throw the ball in the fastest way possible.

Kayla has also found tremendous success in 5-Pin Bowling with Special Olympics. As one of the top Special Olympics bowlers in the province, Kayla has received several awards in the sport.  At Special Olympics PEI’s Bowling Provincials, Kayla has won Top Female Bowler twice, in 2022 and most recently in 2026.

Kayla lives in one of the apartments at Stars for Life and also attends their day program.  In fact, it was through Stars for Life that Kayla first learned about Special Olympics. Through the program Kayla has the opportunity to participate in activities such as swimming, while also learning important life skills such as cooking.