Michelle Obama shows support for foundation created to honor Kobe, Gigi Bryant’s memory

Former first lady Michelle Obama expressed her support for a foundation created to honor the memory of late basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. 

Obama shared on Instagram Tuesday a picture of her wearing a Mambacita hoodie, part of a clothing line recently created by Bryant’s widow, Vanessa.

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A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama)

“As a wife and mother, I have thought a lot about what Vanessa Bryant has been going through this past year. I was touched hearing her speak with such courage and strength this past weekend at the Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring Kobe, and I am proud to join so many others in building upon Gianna’s legacy by supporting the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation,” Obama said in her post 

“@VanessaBryant, all my love to you and the girls and the next generation of athletes you are working to empower. #PlayGigisWay ❤️.” 

Vanessa Bryant was joined by basketball legend Michael Jordan to pay tribute to Kobe during his enshrinement ceremony at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday. 

Vanessa Bryant’s message for Kobe at the end of her Hall of Fame speech

“I love you forever and always Kobe Bean Bryant.” pic.twitter.com/5pSkrNxMkX

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 16, 2021

Bryant closed her twelve minute speech by congratulating him on entering the Hall of Fame. “I love you forever and always Kobe Bean Bryant,” she said. 

Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter died in a helicopter crash in January 2020, which also took the lives of seven other passengers.