The Plant City Family YMCA announced recently “Coach Dave” Robbins as the recipient of the 2013 Strong Leader Award recipient. The YMCA will honor Robbins at its 11th Strong Leader Dinner Aug. 27, at the John R. Trinkle Center, at HCC Plant City.
Robbins’ contributions to the Plant City community echo the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Robbins started volunteering as a basketball coach in 1967. Two years later, he formed a youth basketball league. With help from Plant City’s Recreation and Parks Department and Plant City Optimist Club, Robbins has been operating as director of the league for the past 44 years.
“It has been a wonderful success as it has averaged about 400 boys and girls each year,” Robbins said. “I have always believed in giving back to the community that you live in.”
Robbins has served as assistant coach at Plant City, Lake Gibson and George Jenkins high schools. In addition, Robbins is a charter member of the Plant City High Athletic Booster Club and a familiar face as the man at the concession stand at all PCHS games. As the last involved charter member of the Plant City Optimist Club, Robbins served as chairman of its Christmas tree sales for the last 25 years and chairman of the oratorical contest. He is also a volunteer at South Florida Baptist Hospital.