'Assume that I can': Windsor Down syndrome advocate in Canada-wide campaign

Can you even wrestle? Assume, I can. For 25-year-old Jazzy Ankuma, professional wrestling has been a big part of her life. So when the Canadian Down Syndrome Society called asking to step in the ring for a good cause, she was in. Iraq. Godzilla. Lockdown. Always. As part of Canadian Down Syndrome Week, the Down Syndrome Society produced Not Without Us, a pro wrestling-themed campaign that sees people with Down Syndrome literally fighting harmful misconceptions about people with a condition. This triple threat of misinformation is taking over. You don't belong in this ring. This is my ring. I'm in. Jazzy's mother says harmful misconceptions are far too common. Majority of people think oh they have a mental disability and they are useless. They can't do anything. Farther from the truth. They are able to contribute to their families, communities, societies, their country. The Down Syndrome Society's executive director says the wrestling theme of the campaign works well with the message they're sending. We chose wrestling because it's a pretty powerful way to illustrate a battle. Each of the wrestlers is a misconception. And we have self-advocates, individuals with Down Syndrome. Who are right in the middle of it, able to speak for themselves and tell those misconceptions. They need to listen and not act without listening. The society teamed up with Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling and Windsor promoter Scott D'Amore. Let's spread that message. Let's spread the message. Let's bring the world closer together, not farther apart. And like I said, let's combat things with positivity and information. That's exactly what they did here. Jazzy says she's received positive feedback from loved ones about her campaign cameo. She also says it was a fun experience getting inside the ring and hanging out with real wrestlers. She had this advice for people with Down Syndrome who may be wrestling with hardship. Proud of yourself, nice, together, good job. Justin Escoto, CBC News, Windsor.