February 15, 2020
Vanessa Bryant Reveals Mamba Sports Foundation Name Change to Include Daughter Gianna
In recognition of her daughter Gianna, Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, has decided to change the name of the Mamba Sports Foundation to Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation according to People.
Vanessa Bryant continues to cope with the death of her husband and daughter after they both perished in a helicopter crash several weeks ago, Bryant made the announcement via her Instagram account.
The retired basketball player was killed in a helicopter crash on January 26 along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other passengers: John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan, Sarah Chester and Payton Chester.
The foundation focuses on empowering underserved communities through youth sports. Bryant called himself “The Black Mamba” representing his ‘on court’ persona and his daughter, Gianna, who also excelled at basketball, was known as “Mambacita” as she was following in his footsteps by playing youth basketball.
In honor of the Byrants, at this year’s NBA All-Star Game, Team LeBron and Team Giannis will wear No. 2 and No. 24, respectively, on their jerseys as a dedication and memorial for Kobe and Gianna.
Bryant played his whole 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a 5-time NBA World Champion, a 2-time Finals MVP, and the 2008 Most Valuable Player. During Bryant’s career he made the All-Star team 18 times. He was the youngest player to ever reach 30,000 points.
Bryant retired from the NBA in 2016 and scored a NBA-season high 60 points in his final game.