G.S. Iraklis (Thessaloniki)

Gymnasticos Syllogos Iraklis (Greek: Γυμναστικός Σύλλογος Ηρακλής, English: Gymnastics Club Heracles), commonly referred to as Iraklis, is a Greek multi-sports club based in Thessaloniki. The club was founded in 1908 as "Macedonikos Gymnasticos Syllogos" (Macedonian Gymnastics Club) and is one of the oldest and most historic sports-clubs in Greece. It is named after Heracles, the mythical Greek demigod. Their colours are blue or cyan and white, inspired by the Greek flag.

"Iraklis" redirects here. For other uses, see Iraklis (disambiguation).
G.S. Iraklis
Full nameGymnasticos Syllogos Iraklis
(Gymnastics Club Heracles)
Nicknames
  • Γηραιός / Gireos (The elder)
Founded1899, as Omilos Filomouson
29 November 1908 as Macedonikos Gymnasticos Syllogos
Colours          Blue, White
ChairmanIoannis Mesthaneus
Websitehttp://www.iraklis.club
Active departments of GS Iraklis
FootballBasketball
(Men's)		Basketball
(Women's)
VolleyballWater PoloHandball
AthleticsSwimmingRugby
Ice HockeyJudoWrestling
BoxingFencing

Iraklis traces its roots back in 1899 when Omilos Filomouson (meaning Friends of Music Club) was established.[1] The club was established as a cultural union of the Greeks of Thessaloniki (then under Ottoman sovereignty), and in 1902 was founded also a sports department.[1] After a merger with a local team, the club was re-founded on 29 November 1908, called Macedonikos Gymnasticos Syllogos (meaning Macedonian Gymnastics Club). A year later, "Iraklis" (Heracles) was added to the club's name as an honour to the ancient Greek hero.

Departments
Omilos Filomouson football team, 1905
Statue of Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz in Thessaloniki. Athlete of Iraklis and member of the Greek resistance during the WWII, was executed by the Nazis in 1943

Iraklis is considered one of the most historical and important Greek sport clubs and maintains departments in many sports, including:

  • Iraklis F.C. (founded in 1908, ceased to compete as a part of the club in 2011) - Football
  • Iraklis B.C. (founded in 1924) - Basketball
  • Iraklis V.C. (founded in 1921) - Volleyball
  • Iraklis Track and field (founded in 1908) - Track and field
  • Iraklis Handball (founded in 1994) - Handball
  • Iraklis Rugby union (founded in 2005) - Rugby union
  • Iraklis Ice hockey (founded in 2009) - Ice hockey
  • Iraklis Water polo (founded in 1975) - Water polo
  • Iraklis Swimming (founded in 1975) - Swimming
  • Iraklis Synchronized swimming (founded in 1995) - Synchronized swimming
  • Iraklis Freestyle wrestling (founded in 1967) - Freestyle wrestling
  • Iraklis Judo (founded in 1979) - Judo
  • Iraklis Amateur Boxing (founded in 1965) - Amateur Boxing
  • Iraklis Weightlifting (founded in 1967) - Weightlifting
  • Iraklis Cycling (founded in 1972) - Cycling
  • Iraklis Fencing (founded in 1972) - Fencing
  • Iraklis Table tennis - Table tennis

Honours
Farnese Hercules, emblem of the club

Football

Basketball

Men

  • Greek Championships: 2
    • 1928, 1935

Women

Volleyball

Men

  • Greek Championships: 5
    • 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2012
  • Greek Cups: 6
    • 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012
  • Greek Super Cups: 4 (record)
    • 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008
  • Greek Cup A1 Ethniki: 1 (record)
    • 1999

Αthletics
Voula Patoulidou

Men

  • Greek Championships: 6
    • 1975, 1976, 1979, 1984, 1985, 1986
  • Greek Cups: 2
    • 1979, 1990

Women

  • Greek Championships: 1
    • 1991
  • Greek Cross Country Championships: 6
    • 1967, 1981, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2009
  • Greek Cups: 3
    • 1989, 1990, 1991

Rugby Union

Freestyle Wrestling

Men

  • Greek Championships: 11
    • 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Fencing

Men

  • Greek Épée team championship: 1
    • 1983

Women

  • Greek Foil team championship: 1
    • 1978

European honours of team sports
Season Football Basketball Volleyball
1984–85 Balkans Cup
Winner
1994–95 FIBA Saporta Cup
Semi-finals
1996–97 FIBA Saporta Cup
Semi-finals
2001–02 CEV Champions League
3rd place
2003–04 CEV Champions League
4th place
2004-05 CEV Champions League
2nd place
2005-06 CEV Champions League
2nd place
2008-09 CEV Champions League
2nd place

Notable supporters

Football

Basketball

Volleytball

References
  1. Η Γέννηση του Συλλόγου (in Greek). Γ.Σ. Ηρακλής official site. 22 March 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2011.
Official websites
Press
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