SL24 Basketball Classic Honors Sean Locke While Fighting Mental Health Stigma

The eighth-annual SL24 Basketball Classic, presented by ESPN, will take place on January 30-31 at Wilmington's Chase Fieldhouse. The event honours Sean Locke, who died by suicide in 2018 after battling depression and anxiety. Since its launch, the tournament has grown into a major fundraiser for mental health support in Delaware. The SL24 Basketball Classic began as a way to remember Sean Locke while tackling mental health stigma. His father, Chris Locke, co-founded the Sean Locke Foundation to drive awareness and provide resources. The first tournament in 2017 drew 3,000 attendees and raised over $200,000. By last year, participation nearly tripled, with 9,000 people helping raise more than $670,000. The event blends competitive basketball with halftime presentations and personal stories. These moments aim to spark conversations and remind attendees they are not alone. All proceeds go to Sean's House, a peer-to-peer mental health centre opened in 2020, and other Delaware-based mental health initiatives. Organisers stress the tournament's role in funding critical programs. A striking 93% of funds go directly to mental health services across the state. The event also encourages parents and caregivers to listen without judgement and support young people facing mental health challenges. The SL24 Basketball Classic has become a cornerstone of Delaware's mental health efforts. It funds vital programs, fosters open dialogue, and keeps Sean Locke's memory alive. This year's tournament will continue its mission to break the silence and provide hope.