After a devastating tornado ripped through Moore, Okla., on May 20, the town was left ravaged. Almost five months later, Moore is still picking up the pieces, but they’re getting some help from their local basketball team.
Several professional athletes including Kevin Durant, Wes Welker and Brandon Weeden — all with ties to Oklahoma — quickly stepped up to pitch in with the relief efforts in the wake of the tornado, and now the Thunder are continuing their support.
The Thunder plan to rebuild three outdoor basketball courts to aid in the rebuilding efforts. Through the Thunder Cares Foundation, Briarwood Elementary, Plaza Towers Elementary and Highland East Junior High Schools will have their courts rebuilt, complete with Thunder branding, according to the team’s press release. All three of these schools were hit directly by the tornado, and students have been taking classes at other schools while their former ones are rebuilt.
“When the community lost these schools, they lost more than a place of learning for their children,” said Dan Mahoney, vice president of corporate communications and community relations for the Thunder. “The school facilities, including the basketball courts, served as the heart of these neighborhoods, and we are pleased and proud to be a part of restoring these communities.”
The Thunder announced their plans before their annual Blue and White Scrimmage on Sunday afternoon, which was held at Westmoore High School.
Photo via Twitter/@ElderJen
