His basketball camp, Kobe Basketball Academy, was held at the UCSB campus last week and weekend. Kids, family, and friends from all over have come to watch, learn, and play with him. And for a few lucky kids, the weekend is a little more special.
There is a place called Smokey Mountain in the Philippines. A large dump, it also houses millions of the country's very poor families and children. A few Filipino kids from there and others received scholarships from Kobe to attend the camp. (photos) This makes my heart smile. Combine that with bringing his support towards the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County, and my love for Kobe continues to grow.
Last Thursday I spent my lunch at the Events Center with fellow Lakers fans. The group of about 15 people gathered at the exit, waiting for him to leave for lunch. We waited, shared stories, got our cameras ready, and then he emerged!
It was a mad rush of everyone trying to get some face time and a photo with him.
He only had one security person with him and was willing to sign a few autographs.
I saw people who couldn't get direct access to Kobe getting photos of themselves with Kobe in the background. A kind girl took this one of me. Funny faces + Kobe = my fave photo :)Crossing my fingers his camp returns next summer!
