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.
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Full name | Gymnasticos Syllogos Iraklis (Gymnastics Club Heracles) |
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Nicknames |
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Founded | 1899, as Omilos Filomouson 29 November 1908 as Macedonikos Gymnasticos Syllogos |
Colours | Blue, White |
Chairman | Ioannis Mesthaneus |
Website | http://www.iraklis.club |
Active departments of GS Iraklis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
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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
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Football
- Greek Cup: 1
- 1976
- Balkans Cup: 1
- 1985
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
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
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 |
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1984–85 | Balkans Cup Winner |
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1994–95 | FIBA Saporta Cup Semi-finals |
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1996–97 | FIBA Saporta Cup Semi-finals |
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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
- Grigoris Arnaoutoglou, TV presenter
- Thodoris Atheridis, actor
- Ieroklis Michailidis, actor
- Antonis Remos, singer
- Dimitris Starovas, musician
- Paschalis Terzis, singer
Gallery
Football
- The team for the 1930–31 season
- The team for the 1999–00 season
Basketball
Volleytball
- Rolando Jurquin Despaigne
- Matej Cernic
References
- Η Γέννηση του Συλλόγου (in Greek). Γ.Σ. Ηρακλής official site. 22 March 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2011.
External links
- Official websites
- Iraklis Gymnastics Club
- Iraklis Football Club
- Iraklis Basketball Club
- Iraklis Volleyball Club
- Iraklis Track and field
- Iraklis Swimming
- Press