2025 sees the launch of Diego’s Team, a new children’s book about Mixed Ability by English author, Pauline Brown. Diego’s Team follows the captivating tale of Diego, a playful young alpaca who just wants to join in the fun. When the other animals say he’s too different to play their games, Diego must find the courage to be himself – and soon shows everyone the true meaning of friendship and teamwork.
Diego’s story is based on the experiences of Cameron Smith. Born with Prada-Willi syndrome and learning difficulties, Cameron found himself excluded from play and activities throughout his school days. It was only as an adult when he found and joined the Bumble Bees Mixed Ability Rugby team that he gained the acceptance and belonging that he had craved throughout his life.
Cameron Smith with Diego’s friends
This summer saw a Spanish translation of the book unveiled in Pamplona, Spain at the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART 2025).
A public book reading at the week-long tournament saw an audience full of local teachers, volunteers and IMART participants. Diego’s Team was narrated by a panel of IMAS trainers with lived experience of disabilities. This was followed by Jayde Powell’s reading of ‘Mateo’s Mixed Ability Match’ a Canadian book documenting the experiences of Elliot Smith and his journey into Mixed Ability Rugby. Jayde a player with the Canadian Oshawa Vikings women’s team overcame intense shyness to complete the rendition. Her mother commented afterwards, “we are so proud of how far Jayde has come, seeing her play as part of an international team has been phenomenal, but this afternoon’s reading with IMAS was the cherry on the sundae.”
Jayde Powell and the Hawaiian shirt of confidence!
In the UK the Bradford Literature festival celebrated their first ever Mixed Ability book. Readings for children with special educational needs took place in book stores and on a Yorkshire petting farm, where Pauline and Cameron read Diego’s Team together whilst surrounded by curious alpacas.
Cameron & Pauline with curious children and alpacas
Author Pauline said after the readings “it has been an absolute privilege to share these readings with groups of amazing children. Diego’s Team celebrates inclusion, kindness, and the joy of play. [It was] so refreshing to see the children excited, animated and enthralled. Diego’s Team was written in collaboration with IMAS, an organisation which recognises the right of everyone to participate in community sport.”
IMAS worked with The Venturists a youth social action project who included craft workshops at the book readings for SEND pupils. Venturists Co-ordinator Jill Taylor stated that, “every child left not only inspired by the story but also with their very own copy of the book to take home.”
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