Vanessa Bryant narrated a new memorial video for her late daughter Gianna in honor of her 16th birthday, which would have been on Sunday. Nike released the movie on their social media channels, which was edited in the style of Kobe Bryant’s Oscar-winning animated film Dear Basketball.
“From the first time you imagined winning a WNBA Championship, I knew one thing was real. You were special,” Vanessa says in the video. “You came from greatness, but it was never about what you inherited. It was about what you gave to others. When someone stands up for gender equality, I see you fighting alongside of them.”
In honor of her birthday, Nike is also launching a limited-edition pair of “Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16” sneakers. The snakeskin design on the shoe is black. The earnings from the shoes will go to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, according to the firm. The organization is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to assisting neglected athletes.
“The ‘Mambacita Sweet 16’ is inspired by her resilient spirit and the love she had, not only for the game, but for her family, friends and community,” Vanessa wrote on Instagram. “Part of her legacy is about building a better future for all girls and women in sport, one step at a time.”
Gianna was killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, along with her father, NBA great Kobe Bryant, and numerous others.
It was never about what she got from basketball. It was always about what she gave back. Gigi gave inspiration to her teammates, her mentors, and the next generation. #PlayGigisWay #mambamambacitasports pic.twitter.com/u7R3EnknqP
— Nike (@Nike) May 1, 2022