What Is Kobe Bryant’s Mamba And Mambacita Sports Foundation?

There has been so much information along with photos, beautiful passages and tributes online, since the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, along with seven other people, in late January. The public certainly felt this loss extremely hard as Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were beloved in the sports community and beyond.

With the private funeral service taking place last week for both Kobe and Gianna at a family estate, they were laid to rest directly beside one another, some may be feeling at a loss for what comes next or what they can do with the overwhelming feelings of grief they are still working through. This is where Kobe Bryant's Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation could be useful.

What's in a Name?

If you're not familiar, Black Mamba was the name of the alter-ego, which Kobe Bryant created for himself, when he was going through the "lowest point of his career." From there, through Kobe Bryant's incredible life in the NBA, he worked to create the Mamba Sports Academy, "a full-circle facility," which works to recondition the way individuals approach "human performance," by creating an environment which "activates, educates" and allows for sports focused people "to unlock their full potential".

Out of the Mamba Sports Academy comes three specific business ventures — one being a sports specific training academy, where individuals can zero in on their sports passion. The second being a "sports-focused venture lab," and the third being a charity component, the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. Upon the tragic passing of both Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, the Foundation recently added to the title to include Mambacita, which of course was the nickname derived from Kobe's own basketball alter-ego, which he passed down to his basketball superstar daughter as well.

The Charity

With the charity garnering a lot of attention these days, some people might be curious as to what exactly it does and the overall goals its working towards. At the center of everything, its official website lists that it hopes to make a "positive impact through sports". Looking at the legacy, which both Kobe and Gianna Bryant left behind in the world of basketball, it's really no wonder that the charity is so sports focused.

The foundation itself is described as "a 501(c)(3), exists to further Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s legacy through charitable endeavors in sports." For those who aren't quite sure what a 501(c)(3) might be, it's just the coding for the federal government, which lists the tax exemption on nonprofit organizations, such as public charities.

Four Main Objectives

The Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation has four main objectives, which it focuses on. One of the them being to help provide sports programming, that will enrich and enhance "socio-emotional and physical development" to underserved communities and individuals. The second objective works to provide funding to deserving individuals, who might not otherwise be able to afford to participate in their chosen sporting endeavors. The third objective hopes to focus on creating "criteria for initial and ongoing financial assistance." And the fourth works to focus on bringing attention and funding to young women to have an equal opportunity in the world of sports.

The Impact it's Made

Formed just a few years ago now, it seems as though the foundation has already made quite an impact. From its official website, they've already helped to make an impact on a number of communities in need. For instance, the foundation teamed up with Team Red, White & Blue in order to help fulfill the "national veterans organization's mission," which helps to enrich the lives of America's veterans, by fostering connections to their communities through sports.

There is even a statistics board on the official website, which lists all of the amazing things the foundation has already accomplished. To date, they have helped over 9,000 youth and over 400 veterans with over 1,000 volunteers working with the charity. If you're looking to make a donation to the foundation yourself, it's super easy and you can simply fill out a form on their website and make a one-time donation or even make it a part of your charitable donation routine.