MILAN/CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (Reuters) — Italy launched the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday with a slick and colourful ceremony that celebrated the country’s history, arts, and fashion, but where global political tensions surfaced in the crowd reaction.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella formally declared the Games open at the main event in Milan’s San Siro stadium as part of an unprecedented show that was also linked to celebrations in co-host Cortina d’Ampezzo, more than 400 km (250 miles) away in the Dolomites.

US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among the crowd in the iconic soccer stadium for the performance entitled “Armonia” (Harmony) that lasted three and a half hours.

Vance, who has been strongly critical of Europe, drew jeers in the stadium when an image of him waving the US flag appeared on a big screen.

The announcement of the Israeli team prompted some booing in Milan over the loud soundtrack, but there were cheers in Cortina. Israel has a team of 10 in Italy.

The group of five athletes from Ukraine drew huge cheers in Milan.

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said the Games should bring people together.

“Let these Games be a celebration of what unites us – of everything that makes us human.”

“This is the magic of the Olympic Games: inspiring us all to be the best that we can be – together,” she added.

For the first time, two Olympic cauldrons,........

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