Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Sports Foundation gets a Gianna update

Gianna Bryant’s legacy will live on with her legendary father’s.

Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, said her late husband’s charity — the Mamba Sports Foundation — will be renamed the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, in honor of their 13-year-old daughter, who was tragically killed alongside her father in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26. The former Lakers superstar had given the budding basketball star the spin-off of his nickname and reportedly filed a trademark for “Mambacita” on Dec. 30.

“Because there is no #24 without #2, we have updated the Mamba Sports Foundation to now be called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation,” Vanessa said in a statement Thursday. “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.”

A public memorial for Kobe and Gianna is scheduled for Feb. 24 at Staples Center.