Vanessa Bryant unveils L.A basketball court to honor Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s legacy

The organizations empower the next generation of athletes through these refurbished courts and other focused efforts

Senior Writer

JUNE 20, 2023 11:07 AM EDTJUN 20, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT

A heartwarming tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant ’s legacy was unveiled today at Wilson Park in Compton, CA, thanks to the joint efforts of BODYARMOR Sports Drink and The Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. The newly refurbished basketball court, situated in the Los Angeles area where Kobe Bryant made a name for himself as a Naismith Hall of Fame basketball player for the hometown Lakers, is part of the organization’s commitment to hydrating athletes, funding youth clinics, and renovating sporting facilities across the country.

BODYARMOR Sports Drink announced its official partnership with MMSF, founded in the vision and loving memory of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, in 2022. “Working alongside The Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation last year was incredibly rewarding,” said Federico Muyshondt, BODYARMOR Sports Nutrition’s CEO. “We renovated nine basketball courts across the country in 2022, and we are honored to be kicking off our second year of partnership and tenth court right here in LA. We hope to make a positive impact on the community by providing accessibility to sports now and for years to come.”

Access to upgraded sporting facilities is a common issue many youth athletes face in the U.S. However, BODYARMOR and The Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation believe all kids should have an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams through sports. The organizations work together to empower the next generation of athletes nationwide through these refurbished courts and other focused efforts.

“It’s amazing to have a partner like BODYARMOR that shares our core values and is committed to making an impact in underserved communities all across the country,” said Kat Conlon, Executive Director of The Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. “The court here in Compton is just the latest example of that, and we’re excited to continue these activations in more cities throughout 2023.”

The court at Wilson Park in Compton, CA, is the tenth court that BODYARMOR refurbished across the US last year. To complement the court itself, BODYARMOR and MMSF collaborated with local LA muralist, Sloe, to create three unique and inspiring murals that bring to life Kobe and Gianna’s legacy and surround the refurbished court.

To showcase the unveiling of the new court, BODYARMOR and MMSF hosted a special event featuring a basketball clinic with a local youth group in partnership with the City of Compton’s Youth Activities League (YAL). Guests included Team BODYARMOR partner Trae Young and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie, who surprised the youth athletes and kept the energy flowing throughout the afternoon.

Vanessa Bryant, wife of Kobe Bryant and founder of MMSF, Emma Sharif, Mayor of Compton, and Andre Spicer, Compton City Councilmember, were also present to unveil the new court and participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Many of the youth in Compton go on to become some of the greatest in their professional fields, including sports,” expressed Mayor Emma Sharif. “We are extremely grateful to know that these upgraded basketball facilities will help empower the next generation of athletes to strive for greatness and continue the legacy of Compton.”

“Thank you to BODYARMOR and The Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation for paving the way for the next generation,” added Compton City Councilmember Andre Spicer. “We appreciate that our youth will have an opportunity to reach their full potential on and off the court.”