John Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, will tell you that he has Down syndrome and it never holds him back. John loves meeting other people with Down syndrome and showing the world what they can do. So, John was excited when he got to meet Amy Bockerstette during his trip to Phoenix.
Amy Bockerstette, Famous Golfer
Amy is an accomplished golfer and in 2018 became the first person with Down syndrome to win an athletic scholarship to college when she earned a golf scholarship to Paradise Valley Community College. She went on to become the first person with Down syndrome to compete in a national collegiate championship.
Upon hearing that Amy had won that scholarship, John sent her a box of socks to congratulate her. “I thought what she did was awesome and wanted to celebrate her,” said John.
Amy and her family have created the I GOT THIS Foundation to promote golf lessons and playing for people with Down syndrome.
“I was so happy to meet Amy in person,” said John. “I have followed her on social media and what she does in incredible.”
For her part, Amy enjoyed meeting John and thanked him for the generosity of sending her socks. “It was so nice of him,” said Amy.
Common Experiences
John and Amy met at the Gigi’s Playhouse in Scottsdale, Arizona. Amy participates in events there and John was in town to speak to the self-advocates and families at Gigi’s Playhouse. John participates in activities with Gigi’s Playhouse on Long Island. And both John and Amy are Special Olympic athletes.
“I play golf too,” said John, “except I only play mini-golf.”
About the I GOT THIS Foundation
At I GOT THIS Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, we believe in people with intellectual disabilities.
By providing golf instruction, playing opportunities, and organized events, we strive to teach people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to play golf, paving the way for them to compete in leagues with typical peers, join high school teams, and enjoy the many social benefits of golf.
Golf is a sport where everyone plays the same game on the same field. Our vision is that people with intellectual disabilities become included in those games. To learn more, check out their website: https://www.igotthis.foundation.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $635,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
