Decathlon Names Sense as its 2026 UK Charity Partner of the Year

Working together to promote inclusive access to sport, and raise vital funds to help break down barriers.

May 5, 2026

Decathlon UK has announced Sense as its incoming Charity of the Year for 2026, joining existing partners ParkPlay and Planet Patrol as part of a growing portfolio of charity partners.

Sense is a leading disability charity with a vision of creating a world without limits for disabled people with complex needs. They deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life, supporting people in their homes, in the community and in Sense centres. With Sense, children can find new ways to communicate and play, young people and adults can build skills and confidence to thrive, and families can feel seen, supported and valued. Through campaigning and advocacy, the charity drives change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the life they choose.

Through this partnership, Decathlon and Sense will work together to promote inclusive access to sport, and raise vital funds to help break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs in communities across the UK.

Supporting Communities Through Sport

Decathlon’s Charity of the Year initiative highlights the role that sport and its customers can play in supporting wellbeing, inclusion and environmental action across local communities.

Since launching the programme in 2024, the retailer has supported numerous initiatives across the UK. Its inaugural partner, ParkPlay, delivers free community play sessions in over 80 parks nationwide, with more than £50,000 raised through customer checkout donations to help expand access to community sport.

In 2025, Decathlon partnered with Planet Patrol to support a flagship clean-up event in London alongside a six-month mission to collect and record more than 25,000 pieces of litter from UK waterways.

Both partnerships continue with renewed goals for 2026.

Partnership Activity

From July to September this year, Decathlon will roll out a nationwide fundraising campaign at checkouts across all 40+ UK stores, giving customers the opportunity to donate directly to Sense when purchasing products.

The partnership will also feature across Decathlon’s community events programme, RunDays, where Sense will have a presence through dedicated activation and fundraising spaces at events in Stockport, Sheffield and Leeds. These activations will provide an accessible way to connect with local communities, raise awareness of Sense’s mission and encourage inclusive participation in sport and play.

“We understand the role sport can play in bringing people together and creating positive change in communities. Our Charity of the Year initiative reflects that belief, which is why we are proud to partner with Sense. The work they do every day supports thousands of people across the UK, and through this partnership we hope to raise both awareness and funds to help them make an even bigger impact.” Chris Allen, UK & Ireland Sustainability Leader – Decathlon UK

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Decathlon UK as their Charity of the Year for 2026. Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. This partnership will raise vital funds to help ensure the people we support are in control, included and independent. Together, we will move closer to our vision of creating a world without limits for disabled people with complex needs. Thank you to everyone at Decathlon UK for their essential support.” Mary O’Hagan, Chief Fundraising and Marketing Officer – Sense

ENDS

About Sense

Sense is a national disability charity that supports disabled people with complex needs, including those who are deafblind, to communicate and experience the world. Sense supports children, young people and adults in their home and in the community, in their education and transition to adulthood. In addition to practical support to families, Sense also offers information advice and campaigns for the rights of disabled people with complex needs to take part in life. For more information please visit www.sense.org.uk