Nike and Kobe Bryant’s Widow Vanessa Gather Over 100 Little Stars for Late Daughter Gigi’s Birthday
Follow Us
Kobe Bryant‘s wife, Vanessa Bryant, orchestrated the best birthday tribute for Gianna Bryant, who would have turned 18 on May 1! It’s still hard to believe that it’s been over four years since Kobe and his daughter Gianna tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. Remembering her daughter, Vanessa organized a special basketball camp for young aspiring players, just like Gianna. In collaboration with Nike, the camp welcomed 100 kids whose dreams are as big as Gianna’s were.
The post is captioned, “Today, we brought together over 100 boys and girls from @bgcofwhittier, @wsgvbgc, @bgclaharbor to join us at the @lakers facility for a memorable @MambaMambacitaSports Skills Academy Basketball Camp to honor my Gigi’s 18th birthday. We are grateful to our dedicated partners @nikeLA, @uscwbb, and all the coaches who made the day extra special.”
The MambaMambacitaSports Skills Academy basketball camo brought kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Whittier, LA Harbor, West San Gabriel Valley. Gianna’s sister, Natalia, was also in attendance. A special Gigi Bryant Jersey was also given to the talent chosen by Nike Coaches.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Like previous tribute collections, the businesswoman and philanthropist also organized another present in honor of her daughter. Vanessa and the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation launched a special clothing capsule collection. The sneakers edition based on Gigi’s name, “Nike Kobe 8 “Mambacita,” sees a novel edition design for the special day.
View this post on Instagram
The design includes black butterflies adorned on the shoes with a “Mambacita” logo. Gigi’s name and her jersey no. 2 rest on the heels of the shoe. Reminiscing her daughter, the mother of four also penned down a heartwarming message on her Instagram.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Vanessa Bryant’s touching Instagram post for Gianna Bryant
Bryant’s second eldest daughter was just 13 at the time of her death. But even at that age, she was filled with dreams and the same passion for the sport as her father.
On May 1, Bryant’s wife took to her Instagram to pay homage to her little girl. She shared a nostalgic clip of Gigi along with the Los Angeles Lakers legend on the basketball courts. The post was captioned, “Happy birthday to my gorgeous girl, Gigi! I love you. I miss you. I’m so proud of you. 2024 was your year. You would’ve been graduating high school and choosing which college to go to. I would’ve been trying my hardest to convince you to stay close to home.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
“Could Hear Jeanie Buss & Rob Pelinka Chuckling”: LeBron James Declared to Be Manipulating NBA World With Obvious Bluff
May 17, 2024 12:58 PM EDT
Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era
May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT
Countdown Starts for Charles Barkley and TNT Crew as Ernie Johnson Makes Heartfelt Confession Before Parting
May 16, 2024 06:00 AM EDT
Caitlin Clark in Deep Waters as Indiana Fever Shatter Embarrassing WNBA Record After Defeat Against Sabrina Ionescu and Co.
May 17, 2024 07:05 AM EDT
Exclusive: Shaquille O’Neal Has Big Plans to Dethrone Nike With Allen Iverson & Reebok, Ex-Agent Reveals
May 17, 2024 02:15 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey also posted a heartfelt message for Gianna on Instagram. After the Lakers placed a 19-foot bronze statue of Bryant wearing his No. 8 jersey, the franchise announced that there would be two more statues. As per sources, the next in line is a statue of Bryant and Gigi. The two were often spotted in WNBA and NBA games. It is to pay homage to the bond between the father and daughter.
Edited by:
Pragya Vashisth