Milan, Feb 05 (V7N) - US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday met members of Team USA in Milan, seeking to set aside political divisions while expressing national support for the athletes ahead of the Winter Olympics.

Speaking at a welcome centre in a hotel near Milan’s Malpensa airport, Vance said the athletes enjoyed backing from Americans of all political affiliations, describing the Olympics as a rare unifying moment for the country. He encouraged the team to perform to the best of their abilities and wished them success in winning medals.

Vance arrived in Milan earlier in the day accompanied by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their three children. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present during the visit. Both Vance and Rubio are scheduled to attend the opening ceremony at San Siro stadium on Friday.

During his interaction with the athletes, who were being fitted for their official uniforms for the ceremony, Vance shared that he had taken up skiing in recent years. He also noted that while his wife is not particularly interested in sports, the family regularly follows the Olympic Games together.

Later in the evening, the vice president is expected to attend a formal welcome dinner hosted in Milan for heads of state and government by the president of the International Olympic Committee. Around 30 international leaders and dignitaries are expected to attend, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

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