Delaware Basketball Teams Honor Legacy of Sean Locke in 'SL24 Basketball Classic'

Fundraiser supports mental health services for young people through 'SL24: Unlocke the Light' organization

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

To honor the life and legacy of Sean Locke, basketball teams in Delaware participated in a fundraising tournament called the 'SL24 Basketball Classic'. The proceeds from the event support the 'SL24: Unlocke the Light' organization, which provides mental health programming and support services for young people in the area, including 'Sean's House' and 'Sean's Rooms' - safe havens where youth can open up and get connected to the help they need.

Why it matters

The tournament highlights the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for mental health, especially among young people, in the wake of the tragic loss of Sean Locke. By using basketball as a platform, the event aims to destigmatize conversations around mental health and ensure that local youth have access to the resources and services they need.

The details

The 'SL24 Basketball Classic' was held at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware. The tournament featured local basketball teams coming together to honor Sean Locke's memory and support the mission of the 'SL24: Unlocke the Light' organization, which was co-founded by his father Chris Locke and sister Kat Locke-Jones. The organization's three-pronged approach focuses on educating, assisting, and supporting young people struggling with mental health issues, and connecting them with the appropriate support services.

  • The 'SL24 Basketball Classic' tournament was held on January 31, 2026.

The players

SL24: Unlocke the Light

A non-profit organization co-founded by Chris Locke and Kat Locke-Jones, Sean Locke's father and sister, to provide mental health programming and support services for young people in the Delaware area.

Sean Locke

The individual whom the 'SL24 Basketball Classic' tournament and the 'SL24: Unlocke the Light' organization are named after and aim to honor.

Chris Locke

The co-founder of 'SL24: Unlocke the Light' and father of Sean Locke.

Kat Locke-Jones

The co-founder of 'SL24: Unlocke the Light' and sister of Sean Locke.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have three missions, educate, assist and support those young people who are struggling with mental illness. And we help young people find mental health support services.”

— Chris Locke, Co-Founder of SL24: Unlocke the Light

“These are safe havens where young people can come speak to the Peer24 team that we've trained. For them to just be able to open up...and then point them in the right direction so they can get healthy.”

— Chris Locke, Co-Founder of SL24: Unlocke the Light

“Today, if one person talks to an adult... or talks to each other about community and connection and they're vulnerable, then this is all worth it.”

— Kat Locke-Jones, Co-Founder of SL24: Unlocke the Light

“I am incredibly honored that we get to do this work. It is the work of our lifetime because Sean ...continues to impact us every single day.”

— Kat Locke-Jones, Co-Founder of SL24: Unlocke the Light

What’s next

The 'SL24: Unlocke the Light' organization plans to continue hosting the 'SL24 Basketball Classic' annually to raise funds and awareness for their mental health initiatives in the Delaware community.

The takeaway

The 'SL24 Basketball Classic' demonstrates how sports can be leveraged as a powerful platform to destigmatize mental health, honor the memory of loved ones, and ensure that young people have access to the support services they need to thrive. The event's success highlights the community's commitment to addressing mental health challenges and providing a safe, supportive environment for those in need.