Olympics - Bringing the world into focus

It's the ultimate sporting event where the elite of the elite gather from around the world to compete for the honor of being named the best - for showing what they are good at. But the Olympics is really so much more than that. It is a time to bring world issues into focus, which China has done so beautifully by all of the press that is being covered that doesn't really involve athletics per say.
For example when the US cycling team made an unknown error by wearing masks after they stepped off the airplane because they didn't know what the air quality in China was going to be - enviormental issues.
When China revoked the VISA of an activist who formed a team of athletes that supports Dufar - social action as well as the genocide in Dufar.
The USA's choice to have a Sudanese refuge carry the flag in the opening ceremony - showed how the world is all interconnected by allegiances during war (China supports the Sudan while the US is more on the side of Dufar).
Really, this month is a time to bring so many things to light, but really very few Americans will notice because we, as a nation, are comprised of self-centered individuals who really don't want to take the time to be concerned for anyone else.
I recently posed the question to someone if the Olympics is really about showcasing the best, shouldn't it also be highlighting the countries they came from and supporting them? How can I, as an Olympian, stand next to my Indonesian brother, wearing a Nike athletic gear, when Nike is known for exploiting workers in this country? It just doesn't fit But once again we give into big business and don't think about the larger issues that come to light because we only care about what directly effects us. The sad thing is, if we don't start to pay attention to the bigger issues then they will effect us, very directly.