ATTLEBORO - Activate Attleboro and the Attleboro YMCA are challenging local businesses and employees to watch their steps - for a healthier future.

The citywide coalition is promoting a "corporate step challenge" in which adults are challenged to log at least 10,000 steps per day using a pedometer. Adult teams will compile their step counts, which will be averaged to arrive at the team with the highest average number of steps.

The team with the highest average number of steps per employee will lay claim to the Mayor's Step Challenge Trophy.

The challenge will be held April 14-May 2, and will culminate at the YMCA's annual Healthy Kids Day May 3, with an awards ceremony, and 5 and 10K running and walking events. All participants receive instructions, guidance and a three-week YMCA membership and a daily step log.

The entry fee is $3. Participants can use their own pedometers or purchase them from the YMCA for $4. The corporate step challenge will coincide with a school challenge that pits teams of city fourth- and fifth-graders for the title of champion. Applications can be obtained from challenge captains at participating companies and non-profit organizations. Companies who would like to register challenge teams can contact Amanda Terkanian, membership-communications director, at 505-222-7422, ext. 117.

The step challenge is one of several initiatives under way by Activate Attleboro to cultivate a healthy generation of young people.

The group was recently awarded a grant from the Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation for $10,000 to create a Youth Wellness Tool Kit for 7- to 8-year-olds. These kits will contain healthy tips on eating and activity, games and active toys. Sturdy Memorial Hospital will distrubte the kits later this summer through the hospital's Pediatric and Family Associates.

In addition, through the Friends of Attleboro Interested in Revitalization (FAIR) Bike/Hike Subcommittee, Mark Fenton will be coming to Attleboro for a public forum on May 19 and a meeting with city officials on May 20 concerning walking and health. Locations for the meetings have not yet been announced.

RICK FOSTER can be reached at 508-236-0360 or at rfoster@thesunchronicle.com.