Kobe Bryant’s love for China - a two way connection
Black Mamba- Kobe Bryant, the renowned two times MVP of Los Angeles Lakers is as famous for his off-the-court activities as he is for on-the-court ones. The shooting guard’s persona and love for the game has taken the player on a new horizon and he has taken
a step towards China on the same grounds. Bryant’s After-School All-Star organization thrives on achieving the best after-school time for kids. Apart from teaching kids basketball, the organization also funds for providing Mandarin language lessons, Chinese
cooking courses, and Chinese favourite martial arts classes to 150 students from five schools that participate in the program.
The 32-year-old is bridging gaps between East and West and basketball has been a foundation in that bridge. China is the country that accepted the sport long before any other country did. It happened during the Qing Dynasty that China opened its arms for
basketball and that too not much time after Dr. Naismith had the Original Rules set for the sport in 1891. China and basketball shares a chemistry that started blooming when most of the countries in Europe did not even know what basketball was.
So here comes Bryant, a ball in his hands and Chinese kids around him, calling pass, pass! The athlete headed to China for a promotional campaign that consisted of activities promoting the game and cross-cultural exchanges. Perhaps, a game can change mind
sets.
Bryant visits China frequently and wants kids to spend their after school time in healthy activities like playing sports. He wants to open opportunities for kids across China and help create a safer after-school environment for them.
He spends time playing basketball with Chinese kids at cultural programs in Los Angeles, and has sincere affection for them. The player receives the same amount of love from Chinese as well. After playing with some school-aged students, the excited player
was quoted as saying, "They welcomed me with open arms and have been very positive about wanting to learn the game of basketball."
The athlete has been very lucky in receiving as much love from his Chinese fans as much he has given them in the past years. Kobe’s no. 24 jersey is the most outselling jersey of NBA in China and has even surpassed Yao Ming’s jersey sale over there. “Kobe’s
Disciples”, a reality show featuring Bryant was one of the most popular shows in China as millions of Chinese viewers tuned in to catch the show all across China.
The player has also provided a liaison to Nike Inc that has been promoting its products across the Pacific with Bryant starring in their advertisements.
What is noticeable here is the connection Bryant shares with China. The player who has taken Los Angeles Lakers to five championships is a source of inspiration to everyone and a symbol of love because of the efforts he has made in promoting education and
healthy activities. Like most other celebrities, Kobe Bryant does not want any recognition or publicity for the things he does for the betterment of society. All he wants is a better society.
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