Michelle Obama, Vanessa Bryant.Photo: Michelle Obama/Instagram; Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty
Michelle Obamais wearing her support forVanessa Bryant.
Obama, 57, honoredKobe Bryant’s widow, 39, and the work of theMamba & Mambacita Sports Foundationin a heartfelt Instagram post, Tuesday. In the photo, former first lady looked off-camera while sporting a tie-dye sweatshirt with “Mambacita” in pink ink.
In the caption, Obama offered her sympathy and support for Vanessa, who lost her NBA star husband and their 13-year-old daughterGiannain the tragic January 2020 helicopter crash that also killed the seven other people on board.
“@VanessaBryant, all my love to you and the girls and the next generation of athletes you are working to empower.#PlayGigisWay❤️ ,” she added.
Vanessa thanked the former first lady for her heartfelt message, commenting on the post, “This is so beautiful. I am truly touched. Thank you so much@michelleobamaMy love to you always. 🙏🏽💜.”
Gianna and Kobe Bryant in 2019.Ethan Miller/Getty
The foundation, according to itswebsite, aims to provide underserved communities with sports programs that enrich their “socio-emotional and physical development.”
It also allocates funding for athletes to join school or league teams, as well as sports programs that offer equal opportunities for young women.
RELATED VIDEO: Vanessa Bryant Pays Tribute to Late Daughter Gianna with Mambacita Tattoo
This past weekend, Vanessadelivered an emotional speechon her late husband’s behalf as he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
“I wish my husband was here to accept this incredible award. He and Gigi deserve to be here to witness this,” Vanessa said. “Gigi would be so proud to watch her daddy get enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame. I know Kobe was looking forward to being here. He asked the Hall of Fame to specifically add a sixth ticket for Capri, he was so happy.”
“There will never be anyone like Kobe. Kobe was one of a kind. He was special, he was humble off the court but bigger than life. To all of our close friends and family that have been present for my girls and I, thank you,” the family matriarch added.
source: people.com
