Olympic torch

Olympic relay support trucks I passed while running, sponsored by Coke (do serious athletes drink Coke? really?)

The Olympic Torch ran by my house the other day, held aloft by a guy whose name I thought was Tom.* He seemed to be enjoying his moment and it was awesome to see so many people - college kids, seniors, and families on the sidewalk excited for the torch to pass. Now, the torchbearer didn't seem to be a runner. But that isn't really the point, it's the symbolism and if you go onto the torch relay website (link below) you see people from all walks of life running. And that's wonderful.

My problem is everything else. The fact that it's not really a community event - it's a massive, global, commercial with some sports thrown in. Don't get me wrong - I'll watch and cheer. I'll be wearing my Canada Tshirt for the duration and have my fingers crossed. But ... sometimes it feels that the human achievement is overshadowed by all the advertising.

It's just shouldn't running events (or any sporting events) be more about
the communities and less about Coca Cola or whatever brand is paying the money this year? Wouldn't it be cool to see such acts of daring on a regular basis?
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*I thought I saw the name Tom on his shirt but I can't verify this on the torch relay website  http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/