Although the Physical Education Department was not established until 1916, athletic programs began at Barnard around 1900 through the offices of the Committee on Undergraduate Athletics, an alumnae group. The Greek Games, first held in 1903, were a spontaneous development initiated by the Class of 1905 as a challenge to the freshman class. Athletic components of the Greek Games included wrestling, chariot racing, discus throwing and torch races. Later classes added drama, dance, poetry and music to the festival. The Greek Games were officially discontinued in 1968 but were revived on a smaller scale in 1996 and again in 2000. Dance at Barnard was originally part of the physical education program. Currently it is a separate department.
From the description of Barnard College Physical Education Department records, 1903-1998. (Columbia University In the City of New York). WorldCat record id: 57209480
