FARMINGTON — Selectmen approved the establishment of the David Robbins Youth Sports Fund at their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

The $1,750 donation for the fund was given in memory of David Robbins, a lifelong Farmington resident who passed away unexpectedly in July.

Robbins was a member of the Mt. Blue High School Class of 1973 where he was a gifted athlete.

“As long as I can remember people have been telling me what a naturally gifted athlete my uncle Dave was,” Alison King wrote in a letter to the Board of Selectmen regarding the family’s donation and fund request. “Family members, neighbors, classmates of mine who were on teams he coached, and even people I met casually, made it a point to comment on his abilities.”

King noted when she asked Robbins about his athletic accomplishments he responded that sports provided him with an escape from a less than ideal home life. Coming from a home of extreme poverty, participating in sports was something he could do just like other kids, he told her.

“The closeness of a team, the influence of a coach, and the sense of belonging are all benefits of organized athletics regardless of the outcome of the game,” King noted. “Every child should have the opportunity to participate without fear of being unable to pay. Meeting other kids on an even playing field, so to speak is a gift we can give to children in economic circumstances similar to those my uncle experienced as a child.”

The fund will be used at the discretion of Parks and Recreation staff to help children purchase sneakers, equipment, clothing or anything else they may need to participate fully in any programs offered through the department.

King noted that “sports” will be interpreted loosely as Robbins also supported music and dance adventures just as enthusiastically as any sporting event.

“David was a unique and great guy,” Chair Matthew Smith said. “Anyone who had him as a friend was better off.”