John Cronin, co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer at John's Crazy Socks, brought home gold this past weekend at the 2025 New York State Special Olympics Fall Games in Glens Falls, New York. Competing in bocce, John and his teammates delivered a strong performance, winning both of their matches and earning the top spot on the podium.

"I am so excited by winning the gold medal," John said. "My teammates did such a great job." 

The 2025 State Fall Games in Glens Falls, New York  

The Fall Games kicked off on Friday night with an athlete dinner and opening ceremonies in Glens Falls' City Park. On Saturday, competition took center stage across the region's venues. John's team started strong, winning their opening bocce match 12–5. They carried that momentum into the medal round, where they triumphed 12–7 to secure gold. 

John Loves the Special Olympics  

The Special Olympics have long played an essential role in John's life. A Special Olympics athlete for more than two decades, John has competed in soccer, track and field, snowshoeing, basketball, and now bocce. He often credits the program with helping him grow as both an athlete and a person, teaching him sportsmanship, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork. 

John's partner and father, Mark X. Cronin, says, "Without the Special Olympics, John never would have had the confidence and willingness to start his own business."  

John says, "We have to do more than talk about how much we love the Special Olympics; we have to give back." 

From day one, John's Crazy Socks has donated 5% of its earnings to the  Special Olympics. We also create socks that celebrate the Special Olympics and raise money for the Special Olympics. John has personally delivered quarterly donations,often with a big check and an even bigger smile. To date, John's Crazy Socks has contributed over $150,000 to Special Olympics New York, the most ever donated by a Special Olympics athlete. 

"Special Olympics is part of who we are," said Mark.Indeed, Mark coaches the Snowshoe Team; Jamie, John's brother, and the Manager of our warehouse coach basketball, track and field, and bocce; and many of our colleagues are Special Olympics athletes.  

For John, the Games are about more than medals. They're a chance to connect with friends, celebrate abilities, and spread the joy he brings to everything he does. Whether he's packing socks in the warehouse or delivering a donation, John brings the same spirit of fun, gratitude, and determination that he showed on the bocce court this weekend.