Vanessa Bryant changes the name of Kobe Bryant’s foundation to include daughter

Vanessa Bryant revealed that she has changed the name of Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Sports Foundation to be known as the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation in honour of their daughter, Gianna.

Kobe, 41, and Gianna, 13, died alongside seven others when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Los Angeles in January.

The NBA star, whose nickname was The Black Mamba, had instilled his love of basketball in Gianna, who was also a promising player, nicknamed Mambacita (a play on the Spanish word mamacita) in honour of her dad.

Vanessa revealed the updated name and logo for the foundation on Instagram, telling her followers: ‘Because there is no #24 without #2, we have updated the Mamba Sports Foundation to now be called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

‘Our mission remains the same – and stronger than ever – to provide opportunities to young people through sports.

‘Thank you all for the outpouring of support and your kind donations to date as we carry forth Kobe and Gigi’s legacy. We hope to empower young athletes in a world they left us all to help shape. #Mamba #Mambacita #wings @mambamambacitasports’.

The foundation was set up by Kobe to provide underserved communities with sports programs that enrich their ‘socio-emotional and physical development’.

It also provides funding for athletes to join school or league teams, as well as programs that offer equal opportunities for young women wanting to pursue sport.

Vanessa also shared details of a public memorial to honour the lives of Kobe, Gianna and the other victims of the crash, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan.

The memorial will be held on 24 February at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, with further details still to be announced.

More information about the Mamba and Mambacita Sport Foundation and donations can be made on their website.

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