For some Chicago kids, annual dodgeball tournament helps burn off extra holiday energy

CHICAGO (CBS) -- After the holiday hustle and bustle, everyone needs a break, right? The ham's gone. The gifts have been opened. So now what do you do? One tradition on the Southwest Side helps kids burn off a little steam.

The holiday rush can be exhausting for a kid, but that's a good thing when grandma needs a break.

Karen Clancy is happy to rest on the sidelines while her three grandkids – Blake, Rielyn, and Evelynn – play in the 19th Ward holiday dodgeball tournament in Mount Greenwood.

"That's for kids! Not for meemaw," she said. "They are literally having a ball, and they were in bed quite early last night. Wore them out."

The game comes naturally to 7-year-old Blake.

"Basically, you throw the ball, and if someone catches it, you lose; but if you hit them, then they lose," he said.

It might sound easy, but Evelynn knows it takes practice and guts.

"It's really hard to do it," she said. "Every single time, my dad says, 'you're a tough cookie.'"

Kids from more than 20 schools across the 19th Ward compete in the dodgeball tournament each year.

"It just reinforces what a great community we have to have kids from all walks of life coming together; providing an opportunity for them to have safe, healthy activities," said Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th).

With the kids out of school for the holidays, it's a chance for parents to relax and kids to release a lot of energy.

"To get the kids off videogames, and away from the TV, and be able to play with their friends, and meet new friends," Clancy said.

The kids can run, and grandma's got the running commentary.

"Blake is on the other team. He's got the green ball he just threw. He didn't hit nobody. He's running back now. Rielyn's in the backfield over here just waiting for a ball. Evelynn is now going for a green ball. Oh, her brother took the ball away from her, but they're still in the game," Clancy said.

For 15 years and counting – this dodgeball tourney has been a holiday hit.

"They enjoy this game a lot," Clancy said.