John Cronin Competes at the Special Olympics New York State Summer Gam

This past weekend, the New York State Special Olympics held the State Games and that had us excited as John Cronin, our co-founder, and our colleagues Andrew and Nick competed in the games.

The two-day event brought together more than 1,200 athletes and coaches from across the state, competing in sports including basketball, bowling, powerlifting, swimming, track and field, tennis, and volleyball.

John said, “I love the State Games. I see so many friends, everyone competes hard, and then we celebrate.”

John proudly showing off his three Special Olympics medals—silver in the 100m dash and bronze in the turbo javelin and 4x100m relay.

The Opening Ceremonies

Opening ceremonies took place Friday evening at Ithaca College’s Athletics and Events Center.The athletes marched into the arena and heard welcoming speeches and watched as the annual awards were presented. John’s friend Matthew Shuster was named “Athlete of the Year.”

John with his friend Matthew Shuster, honored as “Athlete of the Year,” and with his teammate Nick, celebrating their achievements at the State Games.

The Competition at the State Games

On Saturday, the action began early with events running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friends, family members, and community members gathered to watch and cheer as athletes gave it their all.

John wore his Track and Field Socks to help him run fast. And he did run fast.John ran the100-meter dash and won a silver medal. He threw the turbo javelin and brought home a bronze medal, and he ran the first leg in the 4X100m relay, and his team won the bronze medal.

John said, “My teammates and I trained hard for many months, and our hard work paid off with me winning medals at the State Games.”

A collage of John competing at the Special Olympics New York State Games.

The Closing Ceremonies and the Dance

After the competition, the athletes enjoyed a communal dinner and then attended the closing ceremonies which featured a great big dance. You know John loves to dance.

Casey Vattimo, Senior Vice President for External Relations at Special Olympics NY, shared how transformative the games are for everyone involved. “Whether our athletes are winning or not, they are having a blast, and their energy is contagious,” she said. “It’s impossible not to have fun when you’re around them.”

The Suffolk County team at the Special Olympics New York State Games.

John’s Crazy Socks Supports the Special Olympics

With John and many of our colleagues competing in the Special Olympics, it is no surprise that at John’s Crazy Socks we love the Special Olympics. And we demonstrate our gratitude by making Special Olympics New York a central part of our Giving Back program. John has now donated over $150,000 to the Special Olympics.