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Kobe Bryant's sports foundation renamed in honor of daughter Gianna
Kobe Bryant's Mamba Sports Foundation was renamed to honor his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, who died alongside him in a helicopter crash in California.
In an Instagram post, Bryant's widow Vanessa shared the sports and charity foundation's updated logo.
"Because there is no #24 without #2, we have updated the Mamba Sports Foundation to now be called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation," she said.
Kobe, who was known as the "Black Mamba," fondly called his daughter "Mambacita." Gianna wore jersey number 2 when she played basketball.
"Our mission remains the same – and stronger than ever – to provide opportunities to young people through sports," Vanessa wrote. "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."
On January 26, Kobe and Gianna were among the nine victims killed when their helicopter crashed on the hills in Calabasas, California. Authorities said that there was low visibility in the area due to foggy weather on that day.
The two were headed to Thousand Oaks to coach and play in a basketball game.
On Thursday, the father and daughter were laid to rest in a private funeral service in Southern California, according to reports.
A public memorial service will also be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 24. —Angelica Y. Yang/MGP, GMA News
