Celebrity News February 14, 2020
Kobe Bryant’s Wife Vanessa Makes Major Change with His Mamba Sports Foundation
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After his retirement from pro basketball, Kobe Bryant dedicated the last years of his life to his Mamba Sports Foundation.
On Thursday, Kobe's wife Vanessa announced a big change to the foundation to honor their daughter, Gianna, who also perished in the helicopter crash that killed nine people.
She wrote on Instagram, “Because there is no #24 without #2, we have updated the Mamba Sports Foundation to now be called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
Vanessa added, “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."
Mambacita was the nickname that Kobe gave Gianna, which is a nod to his nickname Black Mamba.
A month before his passing, Kobe filed paperwork to trademark Mambacita. According to the documents, obtained by TMZ, the plan was to put “Mambacita” on shirts, shorts, hats, and more.
Kobe also use the hashtag #Mambacita whenever he posted about Gigi on his Instagram.
Kobe and Gianna will be honored at a public memorial at Staples Center on February 24. More details are expected to be released in the coming days.
