NBA
Is Kobe Bryant Day a national holiday?
Kobe Bryant would have been 43-year-old on August 23rd. His memory is being honored and celebrated on August 24 for Kobe Bryant Day, or #MambaDay.
Kobe Bryant passed away on January 26, 2020 in a helicopter crash as he was headed to his daughter’s basketball tournament. Bryant’s daughter, Gianna, and seven others also passed away in the helicopter crash.
The conditions on the day of the crash were dangerous. It was reported by the National Transportation Safety Board that due to the clouds that day, the pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which ultimately led to the accident. When the helicopter crashed into the hillside in Calabasas, California, each of the passengers reportedly died immediately upon impact.
August 24 was officially named Kobe Bryant Day in Orange County, California. The County Board of supervisors voted to declare the holiday.
"I'm proposing August 24 to be dedicated to the memory of Kobe Bryant, and all that he brought to Orange County community, which to (sic) strive to live by his words of encouraging those around us to never give up on their dreams," said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel. "The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do."
Why is August 24th Kobe Bryant Day?
August 24th is not the anniversary of Bryant’s death. However, the numbers are significant and symbolic. Throughout Bryant’s NBA career, he wore the numbers eight and twenty-four. The date 08/24 was therefore chosen. It’s also the day after Kobe Bryant’s birthday. Bryant was born on August 23rd, 1978, meaning he would have been 43-years-old.
Bryant had a fruitful career and an incredible personal life. Throughout Bryant’s basketball career, he won five NBA titles and two gold medals at the Olympics. Bryant also won the Most Valuable Player award in 2008, was an 18-time All-Star, a member of the All-Defensive team 12 times.
Beyond basketball, he was a loving husband to Vanessa Bryant and the father of four girls.
Bryant will be remembered, celebrated, and honored on Kobe Bryant day. Several of his teammates and fans have wished the player a happy birthday on social media with the caption #MambaDay.