The Mamba Sports Foundation at Mamba Sports Academy in Newbury Park has been rebranded as Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. Vanessa Bryant, widow of Los Angeles Laker player Kobe Bryant and mother of Gianna Bryant, both victims of a Jan. 26 helicopter crash in Calabasas, posted the foundation’s new logo on Instagram on Feb. 13. In an accompanying message, Vanessa Bryant alluded to her husband’s and daughter’s jersey numbers, 24 and 2, respectively. “Because there is no #24 without #2, we have updated the Mamba Sports Foundation to now be called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation,” the message stated. “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.” The foundation provides sports education services to underserved communities and funds sports training for young women. Kobe Bryant, 41, together with oldest daughter Gianna, 13, and seven other people died in the helicopter crash en route to Mamba Sports Academy for a basketball game.
