Fifth Annual “Rise Up for Ryan” 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and Suicide Awareness Walk

The Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation proudly hosted its fifth annual “Rise Up for Ryan” 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and Suicide Awareness Walk, bringing together friends, families, and neighbors to honor Ryan’s memory and support mental health awareness.

It was an extremely warm summer day, but the heat didn’t stop the incredible turnout. This year’s tournament featured a record 54 teams and 211 players, including six girls’ teams, making it one of our largest and most exciting events yet. DJ Pace kept the energy high all day, providing the perfect soundtrack for a day filled with competition, connection, and community spirit.

We were once again reminded how special this community is. Dozens of volunteers gave their time and energy to make the day run smoothly — from setup to scorekeeping to cheering on every player. Their dedication and teamwork reflect exactly what the “Rise Up for Ryan” event is all about.

Beyond the games, the day served as a heartfelt reminder of our foundation’s mission — to promote suicide awareness, mental health support, and hope. Attendees were encouraged to remember the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a vital resource for anyone in need.

The Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation was created in memory of Ryan Patrick O’Shea, a South Side High School basketball captain and Iona University student whose life continues to inspire kindness, compassion, and connection. Each year, this event stands as a tribute to Ryan’s legacy — and to the power of community coming together to make a difference.

A heartfelt thank-you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and players who made this incredible day possible. Your support and enthusiasm help us continue to spread awareness, strengthen our community, and carry forward Ryan’s spirit of generosity and love. We couldn’t do it without you.

Read the Herald article about our event.