Zendaya and Tom Holland, the stars of the Spider-Man movies, made a rare public appearance together in Oakland, California, where they joined a community basketball event at a local elementary school. The couple, who have been dating since 2021, showed their support for the non-profit organizations Hoopbus, Project Blackboard and Oaklandish, which aim to empower and inspire young people through sports and education.
Zendaya Returns to Her Hometown
Zendaya, who was born and raised in Oakland, was happy to be back in her hometown and meet the students at the elementary school. She shared some photos of the event on her Instagram story, including one of Tom dribbling a basketball while wearing a black Oakland Roots Sports Club t-shirt. She also posted a picture of some shirts designed by Oaklandish, a local apparel brand that celebrates the city’s culture and history.
The 26-year-old actress greeted the excited children and said, “I just came to say hi to all of you and see your beautiful faces, and let’s have a great time playing basketball.” She added that she was not going to play basketball herself because she had not played since she was their age.
Tom Holland Shows Off His Skills
Tom Holland, on the other hand, was eager to show off his basketball skills and joined the Hoopbus team for some fun games. The 27-year-old actor tried to spin a basketball on one finger and said, “I feel like a lucky kid in a game.” He also attempted some trick shots and scored some baskets with the help of Zendaya and actor Elvin Rodriguez, who posted a video of their collaboration on his Instagram account.
The Spider-Man star also interacted with the students and gave them some tips on how to play better. He praised their enthusiasm and talent and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
A Rare Public Outing for the Couple
Zendaya and Tom Holland have been notoriously private about their relationship since they started dating in 2021. They confirmed their romance with a kiss in July 2021, after years of speculation and rumors. They have rarely been seen together in public events, except for the premiere of their latest movie, Spider-Man: No Way Home, in December 2021.
The couple have also been careful about what they share on social media and in interviews. Zendaya recently told Elle magazine that she wanted to keep some parts of her life personal. “I can’t not be a person and live my life and love the person I love. But also, I do have control over what I choose to share,” she said.
However, the couple did not hesitate to share their love for Oakland and its people during their visit. They posed for pictures with the students, the organizers and the fans who recognized them. They also signed some autographs and gave some hugs. They left a lasting impression on everyone who met them and proved that they are not only talented actors but also generous and kind-hearted human beings.