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California Officials Vote To Make August 24 Kobe Bryant Day

California Officials Vote To Make August 24 Kobe Bryant Day

Orange County in California is where Kobe lived for more than 20 years.

Anonymous

Anonymous

Officials in Orange County, California have voted to make August 24 the day of Kobe Bryant.

The O.C is where Kobe lived for more than 20 years during his attachment to the LA Lakers and they've decided to honour him with an annual day on the calendar.

Orange County officials drafted a resolution, which recognises Bryant was a 'basketball legend who inspired so many globally to pursue their dreams and taught us that hard work truly pays off'.

Because he wore the numbers 8 and 24 during his career, officials thought it was fitting to make August 24 the official Kobe Bryant Day. The day will also fall one day after his birthday on August 23.

Kobe Bryant hugs his daughter Gianna on the court.
PA

They hope by marking the day, it will encourage members of the community to continue Kobe's legacy by helping young people in need and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

Orange County Board, Don Wagner, told NBC: "Kobe Bryant's life, like each one of us who ever lived, presents moments to celebrate and to condemn.

"Kobe, like all of us, faced challenges, challenges of his own making and challenges thrown at him by life, that he overcame. Today, we celebrate the effort in overcoming those challenges."

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people who died in a helicopter crash in January this year.

Shaq and Kobe Bryant pictured during their time together in Los Angeles.
Shaq and Kobe Bryant pictured during their time together in Los Angeles.

The seven other passengers who also lost their lives were basketball coach John Altobelli; his wife, Keri; and their daughter Alyssa; Payton Chester and her mother Sarah; Christina Mauser; and pilot Ara Zobayan.

The basketball legend and 'Gigi' were on their way to the Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks, California, for basketball practice at the time of the incident.

Bryant was the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2008. He was also two-time NBA scoring champion and a two-time Olympic champion. The 41-year-old also won five NBA championships, was an 18-time All Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, and two-time NBA Finals MVP winner.

The LA Lakers paid an emotional tribute Kobe Bryant and Gianna during their first game after the tragedy.

To commemorate the NBA legend's life, Lakers players wore shirts with Bryant's numbers - eight and 24 - during their warm-up, and the initials KB were printed on the court. The team also placed Kobe's 24 jersey and Gianna's Mamba strip on two court-side seats where they watched their last game together.

Each of the Lakers players was then also introduced as "Number eight, Kobe Bryant."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Basketball, NBA, LA Lakers, Australia