Johnson joins Lowe’s to rebuild Moore school gyms

MOORE, Okla. (AP) – Six-time NASCAR champ Jimmie Johnson has partnered with Lowe’s home improvement stores to fund new gyms at three Moore schools damaged in last year’s deadly tornado.

Johnson joined dozens of store employees Thursday at Highland East Junior High to celebrate the opening of the gyms.

Lowe’s and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation rebuilt the new gyms at Highland East, Plaza Towers Elementary and Briarwood Elementary in the Oklahoma City suburb. The work was done in time for the current school year.

Lowe’s has been assisting with recovery efforts across the region since the tornado hit, donating $1 million to support immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts.

At Thursday’s ceremony, Johnson met with students and spoke with the Highland East girls and boys basketball teams about the importance of teamwork.