On the brisk shores of Long Island, where winter's chill meets the Long Island Sound’s embrace, a dedicated group of athletes is turning sandy beaches into training grounds. John Cronin, co-founder of John's Crazy Socks, and his Huntington Blue Devil teammates are preparing for the upcoming Special Olympics regional snowshoe competition and the New York State Games.
Snowshoeing, typically associated with snowy terrains, presents a unique challenge on Long Island due to our limited snowfall. But a lack of snow does not stop John and his teammates.They have adapted by training on the beach. On a recent Sunday morning, the temperature hovered in the low 20’s and the wind howled, making it feel like 10 degrees. Where others might have snuggled up in bed and stayed cozy and warm, These Special Olympic athletes headed to the beach for their weekly training session.
“Nothing will stop us,” said John with a big grin on his face. “We are tough. We are Special Olympic athletes.”
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The camaraderie among the Blue Devils is palpable. Each member supports the other, embodying the true spirit of teamwork. They cheer each other on during running drills, offer hands to those who stumble, and share tips to improve techniques. This mutual encouragement not only enhances their performance but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and trust.
And they are spurred on by their coach, who happens to be John’s Dad, Mark X. Cronin. “The Special Olympics are about training and competition," says Mark. “These athletes work and train hard just like any other athlete. Nothing holds them back.”
Mark added, “These snowshoers understand that the real competition is with ourselves as each practice, each competition, they strive to do a little better than the day before."
Brian Meister, a senior team member, says, “It can be tough sometimes when you get tired. But we keep pushing. I love it.”
John Cronin and the Special Olympics
John and his father Mark will tell you that without the Special Olympics, there would be no John’s Crazy Socks. John first started playing Special Olympic soccer 24 years ago and now competes in soccer, basketball, snowshoe, and track and field.
John says, "I have learned so much from the Special Olympics: teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, how to compete, how to fall and get back up, and how to be coached." John adds, "I am so grateful for my coaches. They have taught me so much."
The Special Olympics has become a family affair. John’s father Mark coaches the snowshoe team. John’s brother James coaches basketball and track and field. “I love having Jamie as my coach,” says John.
John’s Crazy Socks and the Special Olympics
Since the day they opened the store, John and Mark have been donating to the Special Olympics. They pledged five percent of theirearnings so every purchase supports Special Olympic athletes. Here’s how John’s Crazy Socks supports the Special Olympics:
5% of All Earnings: Every order at John’s Crazy Socks helps support the Special Olympics, as we donate five percent of our profits to the organization.
5% from the Sock of the Month Club: When you enroll in a subscription for the Sock of the Month Club, John’s Crazy Socks donates five percent of that sale to the Special Olympics.
Specialty Socks with Purpose: Our Polar Plunge Socks and Shark Socks all give back—each sale donates10 percentto the Special Olympics. In fact, John designed the Shark Socks to honor his own basketball and track team, the Commack Sharks.
Our Special Olympic Athletic Socks: We have introduced a new line of sport socks with pictures of Special Olympic sports on them.The first three are basketball, soccer and track and field and we donate 10 percent from the sale of each pair to Special Olympics New York.
Our donations to the Special Olympics are the foundation of our Giving Back program. To date, John has donated over $150,000 to the Special Olympics. And John likes to say, “We are just getting started.”
John and His Snowshoe Teammates Are on a Misson
As the regional snowshoe competition and the New York State Games approach, the Huntington Blue Devils continue their rigorous training, driven by discipline and a shared goal. Their beach workouts, though unconventional, have prepared them to face any challenge with resilience and unity.
Through their dedication, John and his teammates exemplify the mission of the Special Olympics: to foster inclusivity, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. Their journey is a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and highlighting the boundless potential within each of us.
About John’s Crazy Socks
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.
