Matthew Cowdrey, the 21-year-old Australian swimmer who won eight medals at the Beijing Paralympics, has signed an endorsement deal with Novotel Hotels and Resorts.

Cowdrey, who won his five gold medals with five world record times, will serve as a brand ambassador for Novotel over the next 12 months. He was named Australia's Paralympian of the Year in 2008, one of many awards he has won over the last few years including an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) as part of the Australia Day honours list.

Cowdrey will make a number of motivational and public speaking appearances for the hotel chain, whose other sports sponsorships include the AFC Champions League, the top level of soccer competition in Asia.