KAMPALA, May 16 -- A member of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), Sharifah Sanyu has said they are determined to qualify as many athletes as possible for the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

Sanyu told Xinhua News in an interview at the UOC offices in Lugogo, Kampala on Thursday evening that they are battling to send 30 athletes for the Africa Youth Championships starting next week in Botswana which will serve as qualifiers for the Youth Olympics in Nanjing in August.

"The government of Uganda has unfortunately told us there is no money to support the team to Botswana. But we are using UOC money to try and take as many athletes so that we can also qualify many for the Youth Olympics to take place in China. We do not want to miss out on the China event because we are sure they will give out youngsters' good exposure," added Sanyu.

Sanyu who will also be the leader of delegation for Team Uganda at the Africa Youth Championships clarified that the government has not been able to support the team since the officials said they don't have money budgeted for this event.

"It is unfortunate the government said there is no money after we requested for support," added Sanyu.

The 2014 Africa Youth Championship will take place in Gaborone, Botswana from May 22-31. The official said they will feature a contingent of 42 people with athletes competing in badminton, basketball, swimming and netballers.

Originally Uganda had planned to also send athletes for boxing, rugby, table tennis, tennis and weightlifting, but dropped the idea because of lack of funds.