On 9 January 2006, BIGBANK and the non-profit organization Spordiürituste Korraldamise Klubi (Sports Events Organization Club) signed a cooperation and sponsorship agreement, as a result of which the athletics championship series BIGBANK Gold League was born, which by now has grown into one of the biggest and most reputable track and field competition series in the Baltic countries. The championship series, which was called BIG Gold League during its first years, was renamed in 2009 to BIGBANK Gold League, due to the change of the main sponsor's trademark. Successful cooperation got a new beginning when on 15 January 2009, a cooperation and sponsorship agreement for several years was concluded for the second time. Pursuant to the contract, the bank will support the organisation of BIGBANK Gold League during the next four years with a total of three million kroons.
BIGBANK Gold League began in winter 2006, when the first winter session of three stages took place. The BIGBANK Gold League's summer season consists of five stages, in which athletes also compete for the monetary Jackpot. The Jackpot will be divided among those athletes who win their "GOLD" event at each of the BIGBANK Gold League summer stages. The Jackpot on the first summer season of the BIGBANK Gold League was 100,000 kroons and was won by discus thrower Gerd Kanter. In 2007 the Jackpot of the summer season was divided between Gerd Kanter and Ebe Reier. Rene Oruman won the Jackpot in 2008. The Jackpot amount in 2009 was already 300,000 kroons, but as no athletes reached five stage victories, a smaller Jackpot of 150,000 kroons was divided among three athletes who had won four stages. The winners were Gerd Kanter, Anna Iljuštšenko and Sirkka-Liisa Kivine. In addition, the three best athletes of all events and the first eight of the general order of the series will be awarded with monetary prizes.
The BIGBANK Gold League seasons have been very successful - the best athletes of Estonia and also the world have achieved several personal, stadium and national records, best results of the season and other high class results.
