Gymnasticos Syllogos Thessalonikis "Iraklis" (
Greek: Γυμναστικός Σύλλογος Θεσσαλονίκης «ο Ηρακλής», English: Thessaloniki Gymnastics Club "Heracles"), commonly referred to as Iraklis Thessaloniki, 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
mythicalGreek demigod. Their colours are
blue or
cyan and
white, inspired by the
Greek flag.[1]
G.S. Iraklis Thessaloniki traces its roots back in 1899 when Omilos Filomouson (meaning Friends of Music Club) was established. 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. 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.[1]
Departments
Omilos Filomouson football team, 1905Statue 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
G.S. Iraklis Thessaloniki is considered one of the most historical and important Greek sport clubs and maintains departments in many sports, including:[2]