Two World Aquatics Scholarship holders, Marina Abu Shamaleh and Adrian Robinson, took part in an inspiring session hosted by World Aquatics Global Supplier Corpay Cross-Border Solutions during the World Aquatics Championships Singapore 2025.
The World Aquatics Scholarships Programme was launched in 2014 to provide financial and technical assistance to athletes with internationally recognised sporting achievements, but without favourable or sufficient conditions to train locally. In the 2024-2025 season, the Scholarship Programme supported 94 athletes across all aquatic sports, and all five World Aquatics continents. World Aquatics is investing significant resources into the 2025 - 2026 edition too, helping to develop its Member Federations and talented athletes.
The conversation in Singapore, led by Michelle Mak of Corpay, offered valuable insights into the athletes’ personal journeys, their experiences within the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme and the lessons they believe can benefit not only athletes, but also those in business, education and everyday life.
Corpay Cross-Border Solutions has supported World Aquatics since 2022, providing innovative global payments and currency risk management solutions. With the extension of this partnership through to 2028, World Aquatics, event hosts and partners worldwide are continuing to benefit from Corpay’s expertise in international financial solutions.
This session in Singapore highlighted similarities between both World Aquatics and Corpay’s commitment to empowering global communities. It went beyond sport and the office, offering tips and reflections relevant to many walks of life. From building resilience and focus to the importance of seizing opportunities, both athletes inspired attendees with different perspectives.
Speaking after the Corpay event, Marina Abu Shamaleh, who trains at the World Aquatics Training Centre in Bond University, Australia, commented;
“The staff were some of the most lovely people I’ve met, they made me feel very comfortable in opening up and sharing my story with them. One of my biggest takeaways from the talk was that so many people are actually interested in the journey. I’ve always thought that people just want to see results, but the team at Corpay quickly changed my mind.”
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When asked about her reflections of Singapore 2025, she added;
“I {got a Personal Best} in my 50 free, which I was happy with. Even though I didn’t get the times I’d hoped for in my 50 free and 100 breast, I was proud of overcoming so many things leading up to my races and how I represented my country. I was proud to have had the opportunity to…give my people some bit of hope.”
Meanwhile, Adrian Robinson, based at the World Aquatics Training Centre in Hungary, shared his happiness after speaking at the Corpay session:
“It was an honour to be part of the event at Corpay, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone. Singapore is a beautiful country, with lots to explore. It should be on everybody’s bucket list. I would love to go back again one day.”
“Corpay is proud to partner with World Aquatics in supporting their Scholarship Programme,” said Brad Loder, CMO, Corpay Cross-Border Solutions.
“We were delighted to welcome Marina Abu Shamaleh and Adrian Robinson to our Singapore office, where they shared their inspiring journeys in competitive sport with our team. We look forward to continuing our support for this outstanding initiative for many years to come.”
This conversation marked just the beginning of a series of athlete-led engagements supported by World Aquatics. World Aquatics partners Malmsten and Duraflex also support the Scholarship programme, and is it continues to grow, more athletes will be given a platform to share their stories, connect with people in different walks of life, helping to inspire the global aquatics community and beyond.