Grand Palace Hotel has pledged free accommodation for 50 members of foreign volleyball teams competing in this year’s International Volleyball Tournament in Mzuzu.
The hotel’s representative, Thilina Herath, confirmed the sponsorship, which aims to ease the financial burden for teams travelling to Malawi for the tournament.
“We’ve committed to sponsoring accommodation for 50 guests. Many teams were interested but hesitant due to logistical costs—especially accommodation. By addressing this, we hope to encourage more international teams to join,” Herath said.
While the Grand Palace Hotel itself is fully booked during the tournament dates, Herath clarified that the guests will be accommodated at partner facilities within the city.
Accommodation often accounts for a significant share of team budgets, making this gesture substantially contribute to the event’s success.
Tournament organiser Kelly Msukwa welcomed the support, describing it as a timely intervention that will help elevate the standard of competition.
Among the international teams confirmed are Mapando Volleyball Club from Dodoma, Tanzania; Mbeya Best VI; and Kampala International University (KUIT). Zimbabwe’s St Collins and Zambia’s Nkhwazi are also expected to participate.
KUIT’s Assistant Team Manager, Robin Msingwa, praised the sponsorship: “This kind of support gives teams the motivation and comfort to participate. It shows real commitment to developing volleyball in the region and makes us feel welcomed.”
The tournament is scheduled to run from August 8 to 10, 2025, at Katoto Volleyball Courts in Mzuzu.
