Friends, family and fans are gathering together across the country to remember the late Kobe Bryant, including three boys from Long Island who met their idol last year.

In June of 2019, Ian Codio, Jose Munguia and Humberto Guevara from the De La Salle School in Freeport got the opportunity to meet and interview Bryant for Newsday's Kidsday section.

The special assignment left a lasting impact on the seventh graders.

"It was one of the greatest moments of my life so far, I mean...he's Kobe, he's the reason why I started playing basketball, why I started to pursue basketball, he's the reason I push myself," said Codio.

The boys said meeting Bryant is something they will never forget and that they will always remember his inspiring words.

Their principal, Jeanmarie Becker, said the students come from struggling families and were inspired by Bryant to work harder and give 100% every day.

"Even though it was a very brief period of time he made them feel so welcomed, important and special they are going to hold on to that forever," said Becker.