Orchestra performed a special arrangement of "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" at the London Stadium. Shriners International connection In North America, the song played a part in the foundation of the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which are owned and operated by Shriners International, a Freemasonry-related organisation. At their 1920 Imperial Session (national convention), Freeland Kendrick proposed a unified charitable mission for the Shriners fraternity by building an orthopedic hospital for children. The idea had come to him after visiting the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, which primarily treated children suffering the devastating effects of polio. He was shocked to learn that there were not enough hospitals specialising in care for children, especially those suffering from polio. When he made the proposal, many expressed doubts; with the prospects of the plan being approved fading fast, Forrest Adair then spoke: “I was lying in bed yesterday morning, about four o’clock, and some poor fellow who had strayed from the rest of the band stood down there under the window for 25 minutes playing "I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles".” Adair said that when he awoke later that morning he thought again of the wandering musician. “I wondered if there were not a deep significance in the tune that he was playing for Shriners… I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.” Adair continued, “While we have spent money for songs and for bands, it is time for the Shriners to spend money for humanity. ... Let us get rid of all the technical objections. And if there is a Shriner in North America who objects to having paid the two dollars after he has seen the first crippled child helped, I will give him a check back for it myself.” Adair sat down to the sound of thunderous applause. In that moment, the tide had turned; the resolution was passed unanimously. A committee chosen to determine the site and personnel for the Shriners Hospital concluded that there should not be just one hospital, but a network of hospitals throughout North America. When the committee brought the proposal to the 1921 Imperial Session in Des Moines, Iowa, it too was passed. Sparta Warriors connection In Norway, the song is known as the club anthem of Sparta Warriors, a Sarpsborg-based ice hockey club. The Norwegian version of the song, rewritten and performed by Kai Robert Johansen, is titled "Blå Bobler" (Blue Bubbles). Recordings Recordings of the song include: Albert C.