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Rep. Steel Introduces Resolution to Designate August 24th as “Kobe Bryant Day”

July 27, 2021

Date honors Bryant’s two numbers during his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers

Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-48) announced the introduction of a congressional resolution to designate August 24, 2021 as “Kobe Bryant Day,” in honor of the basketball legend who tragically passed away last year. Bryant was an Orange County resident and lived in the 48th Congressional District with his family. August 24th (8/24) honors Bryant’s two numbers during his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, 8 and 24.

“Kobe Bryant used his platform to inspire millions and help kids around the world achieve success and strive for greatness. On August 24th we should remember Kobe, celebrate his life, and encourage the next generation to dream big just like Kobe did,” said Rep. Steel.

Last year as Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Rep. Steel led an effort to pass a similar resolution in honor of Bryant.

You can view a copy of the resolution here and the full text below:

WHEREAS, Kobe Bryant was a basketball legend that inspired so many globally to pursue their dreams and taught us that hard work truly pays off; and

WHEREAS, in 1996, Bryant entered the NBA directly after graduating Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and played for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 seasons; and

WHEREAS, Bryant won five NBA championships, was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12- time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA MVP, a two-time NBA Finals MVP winner, and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist; and

WHEREAS, Bryant was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on May 15, 2021; and

WHEREAS, together with his wife Vanessa, Bryant founded the Bryant Family Foundation with a mission of “helping young people in need, encouraging the development of physical and social skills through sports and assisting

the homeless; and

WHEREAS, Bryant founded the Black Mamba Sports Academy to connect aspiring athletes with experts to help them achieve their goals; and

WHEREAS, Kobe Bryant was a beloved member of our community and a treasure to his neighbors in Orange County, California, and is one of the greatest basketball players of all time; and

WHEREAS, The basketball legend, father of four, tragically lost his life along with his daughter, Gianna (“Gigi”), Orange Coast College head baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and his daughter

Alyssa, Christina Mauser, basketball coach at Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar, Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton, and pilot Ara Zobayan; and

WHEREAS, The Mamba and Mambacita Foundation, founded through the vision and loving memory of Kobe, and Gianna Bryant continues this legacy with a mission to create positive impact for underserved athletes and young women in sports.

WHEREAS during his career with the Lakers, Bryant’s jersey numbers were 8 and 24, therefore a fitting day to celebrate his legacy would be August 24th. Now Therefore be it,

RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that August 24, be designated as ‘Kobe Bryant Day,’ to be observed with appropriate ceremonies and activities in furtherance of Bryant’s mission to engage in community building helping young people in need, encouraging aspiring youth to follow their dreams, and living by Mr. Bryant’s words: “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”

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